Duraji (left) battles it out with Vice President© Photo Healy Racing
The regally-bred Duraji made the breakthrough on his second start, running down Vice President in the closing stages of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.
Out of 2006 Irish 1000 Guineas winner Nightime, the successful son of Dubawi is a brother to brilliant four-time Group 1 winner Ghaiyyath.
A fine second on debut at Gowran, the Dermot Weld-trained bay was sent off an 11/4 chance this evening, with Chris Hayes again in the plate.
Settled in second, he was ridden in pursuit of the front-running Vice President a furlong and a half from home, gradually wearing down that rival inside the final 200 yards, going on to prevail by a head.
Returned the 5/4 favourite, Wayne Lordan was aboard the runner-up for Aidan O'Brien, while Jim Bolger's Royal Entry ran a huge race to finish third at 100/1, another two and three quarters of a length behind.
"He's a nice colt, he's progressive. He's still very immature both mentally and physically. There is a lot of improvement in this horse," Weld said of the Jastar Capital Limited owned victor.
"Obviously we'll have a crack at a stakes race with him next.
"I was always happy with him (during the race) because he's a colt that when you really get after him he'll improve and pick up.
"I think the second is a decent colt, I knew it would be a tough assignment, but he did it well.
"Chris said it took him two furlongs to pull him up. He was off the bridle turning for home but the way he finished out really impressed me. I'd say he's a colt that will enjoy going a mile-and-a-half.
"It's a great family and we're delighted with them. He's still a very immature colt and he won't be anything until next year as a four-year-old.
"I loved his attitude, loved the way he put his head down and I would expect him to be a stakes horse in the future.
"We'll have an open mind on him, see how he comes out of the race and then make a decision."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Improvista (GB), trained by Mrs John Harrington, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be clinically abnormal post race.
S. Foley, rider of Improvista (GB), trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left and lost its action in the home straight.
The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident close to the line involving Duraji, ridden by C.D. Hayes, placed first, and Vice President, ridden by W.M. Lordan, placed second, where it appeared that slight contact was made between both horses. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
The Raceday Stewards granted a request from Liam G O'Brien, trainer of Storm Tracker for an additional ten minutes to present the horse for identification to an Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Official in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90 (i).
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
