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Matchless scoots home in Listowel

Matchless fends off LaelapsMatchless fends off Laelaps
© Photo Healy Racing

Matchless stepped up on his debut fourth to take the honours in the opening juvenile maiden over seven furlongs at Listowel.

Seamie Heffernan soon had the 10/11 favourite into the lead from stall three and the pair dictated the fractions.

They were tracked throughout by Laelaps and Shane Foley who then pressed them a furlong out.

The leader wasn't for passing, though, and kept up the gallop to score by half a length for Aidan O'Brien. Runner-up Laelaps was a 9/1 chance.

Seamie Heffernan said: "He had a nice first run, I liked him and I thought if I got to make the running he'd win. He is still a little bit green and he is a nice colt with a nice pedigree.

"Aidan doesn't mind running a good horse down here and I have to compliment the staff on the ground; it is level, hasn't been touched and is very safe."

Matchless is a full brother to the progressive Delphi who has won four in a row this season culminating in a Group 3 success at the Curragh last month.

Matchless finished fourth over an extended seven at Tipperary last week.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes

1st
10/11Fav
Tote €1.80 €1.50
2nd
0.5L
9/1
€2.40
3rd
1.25L
5/2
4th
0.5L
11/1
About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.