Gibbs Island just prevails in exciting Curragh opener

Gibbs Island just prevailed in the opener at a rainy Curragh this afternoon, with less than a length separating the first five home in the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden.

Bought for 30,000 pounds as a yearling, the Andy Oliver Iffraaj colt improved from his debut at Fairyhouse in June to finish fourth on his second start at Roscommon.

Upped in trip to a mile today and sent off an easy-to-back 16/1 chance, the James Nicholson-owned chestnut was never far from the pace, improving to dispute the lead with over two-furlongs to race.

With four almost in unison from the furlong pole, the Billy Lee-ridden victor found that little bit extra in the closing stages and came home a head in front.

The Jessica Harrington-trained Mo Ghille Mar (17/2 from 10s) was the one just denied, while Marty The Party (5/1) and Slaney Swagger were a head and a head away in third and fourth respectively.

The Colin Keane ridden Nitti finished strongly to take fifth, while Surfers Paradise (6/5f) faded in the closing stages and could manage only a disappointing eighth.

"He did it well. He had to grind it out," said Oliver.

"He's a full-brother to a good horse that Godolphin owns (Live Your Dream). I trained the half-brother Dream Tale so I know the family a bit.

"He had a nice run at Roscommon and we knew that stepping up in trip should be in his favour.

"He's a good mover so he's not dependent on ground.

"Billy said it was a tough performance. He's a horse that likes to keep going forward so about the three pole he just let him roll to let him get into the race.

"He stayed every yard of it, it was a likeable performance.

"I was just saying to Billy that we might look at the Eyrefield Stakes at the end of the year, it's nine furlongs at Leopardstown. We'll make a decision in the next week or two."

STEWARDS REPORTS

W.J. Lee, rider of Gibbs Island (GB), trained by A. Oliver, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount rolled around when he hit the front.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident inside the final furlong involving Auguste Lumiere ridden by L.T. McAteer, unplaced, Surfers Paradise, ridden by D.P. McDonogh, unplaced, Nitti, ridden by C.T. Keane, placed fifth, Hazbaiya ridden by B.M. Coen, placed sixth, and Glimmerglass ridden by N.G. McCullagh, unplaced, where it appeared L. T. McAteer had to check his mount. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence L.T. McAteer stated that his mount was getting tired when it got a little tight for room and he took a precautionary check. D.P. McDonogh stated that he received slight pressure from his inside. C.T. Keane stated that his mount went a bit right but that he corrected him quickly and he stayed straight to the line. B.M. Coen stated that the wind was hitting them side on and that his mount was tiring and rolling around on the soft ground. N.G. McCullagh stated that there was a strong wind and that his mount was rolling around and getting tired. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards could not apportion blame to any rider and so took no further action.

Mr. M.C. Hickey recused himself from this enquiry.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Surfers Paradise, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson