Invasion Day is ridden out by Colin Keane to beat No Needs Never© Photo Healy Racing
Invasion Day got off the mark on his second start, as he took the opener at Cork this evening, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, in the colours of Clipper Logistics Group Ltd.
A good second on debut at Dundalk earlier this month, the Ger Lyons trained colt was backed from 5/2 to 15/8 on-course this evening.
Bought for E100,000 as a yearling, the son of Footstepsinthesand was settled behind the leaders on the inner by Colin Keane.
He was pushed along to challenge from the two furlong pole, and hit the front over a furlong out, keeping on well under pressure from there to see off the challenge of newcomer No Needs Never by half a length.
The runner-up was returned at 25/1 under Billy Lee for Joseph O'Brien, while fellow debutant Cuban Surfer (20/1) was three lengths back in third, with Kevin Manning aboard for Jim Bolger. Empire State was sent off the 6/5 favourite, and he finished a disappointing seventh under Donnacha O'Brien for his father Aidan.
Assistant trainer Shane Lyons said afterwards: "I'm very happy with that and he has stepped up from the last day. He was very green the first day and has done what we had hoped he'd do and win his maiden.
"He idled in front due to a little weakness and he is a tall horse who Colin said would appreciate seven furlongs.
"We'll likely wait to run him over seven now and let him fill out his frame. He'll grow up to be a nice horse. Colin said it is lovely quick flat ground."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Isle Of Innisfree (USA) trained by A.P.O'Brien was found to have lost his left fore shoe.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Empire State (USA), trained by A.P.O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be lame on his right hind post race.
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of No Needs Never, placed second, ridden by W.J. Lee, and trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. W.J. Lee, stated that his instructions were to try and race in mid division early on as he was drawn wide, to settle his mount and to do the best he could. He said his mount broke well but had to race wider than he would have liked as the field had spread out. He said his mount raced green which he would have expected for a first run, before he switched his mount to the inner in the closing stages to help him run straight to the line. Joseph Patrick O'Brien, confirmed the instructions given and expressed his satisfaction with the ride. He said his charge was disadvantaged greatly by the outside draw and felt he had a very good run considering the fast pace of the race and that it was the animals first run. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, who stated that No Needs Never was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined No Needs Never, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
