Invincible Spirit colt Magna Grecia impresses on debut Ballydoyle's Magna Grecia (2/1 favourite) put up an impressive debut performance in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden (Plus 10 Race) at Naas. The overriding sense post race was one of relief though, as Niall McCullagh and Robbie Colgan seemed relatively okay after falls they took over a furlong out in this seven furlong heat. McCullagh's mount Stella D'Italia was tightened up and slipped up. Sandstorm Annie (Robbie Colgan) was then badly hampered and unseated rider. Thankfully both horses will live to fight another day too. Once in the clear Magna Grecia stretched away under Ryan Moore to put three and a half lengths between himself and Mudlahhim. "You'd be delighted with that, he's a lovely horse," said Aidan O'Brien. "He was just ready to start today. He's a possible for the Killavullan or something like that. "He's a big powerful strong horse. I don't think you could ask him to do more than that, he was green but when he got straightened up he found plenty." Colm O'Donoghue (rider of Morpho Blue) got a seven day careless riding ban for switching left into the path of Stella D'Italia. Paddy Power go 33/1 first show about Magna Grecia for next year's Derby. The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the straight involving Morpho Blue, ridden by C. O'Donoghue, placed sixth, Sandstorm Annie, ridden by R.C. Colgan, unseated and Stella D'italia (GB), ridden by N.G. McCullagh, slipped up, where it appeared Stella D'italia fell and Sandstorm Annie was unseated. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings. The Stewards did however find C. O'Donoghue in breach of Rule 214 by riding carelessly and having taken his previous record into acccount suspended him for seven race days. (GC & EM)
