Lilbourne Lad routs his opposition English-raider Lilbourne Lad (9/4) destroyed the field with a powerful display of front-running in the feature six furlong listed Alfred Nobel Rochestown Stakes at Naas. The Richard Hannon trained juvenile kicked clear under Richard Hughes at the furlong pole and drew right away to score by six lengths from 8/1 shot Snowflake Dancer. Richard Hannon jnr, representing his father, said: “He’s a very nice horse and we have always liked him a lot. “We were a bit disappointed he got beaten on his second run. I think it was a lack of experience and also giving the winner three pounds. “It was a real good performance today. We’ll have to look at Ascot after that and he’s also in a lot of the sales races. “I couldn’t have been more pleased. He surprised me a bit as he’s not a horse that does a lot at home.” Eddie Lynam’s French Emperor was heavily supported from 10/1 to 11/2 and finished third. Requinto, in the Michael Tabor colours from David Wachman’s stable, was sent off the 6/4 favourite but proved disappointing when coming home last of the five runners.
