The five runners including Drapers Guild (second right) break from stalls© Photo Healy Racing
Aidan O’Brien saddled three of the five runners in the Crowne Plaza Race & Stay Maiden at Dundalk but it was his son Joseph who had the final word with Drapers Guild
The son of Dutch Art was by far the most experienced of the quintet opening his account here at the seventh attempt.
The 5/1 chance led under two furlongs out, and stayed on really well under pressure inside the final furlong for the successful trainer’s younger brother Donnacha.
The winning margin was three lengths over Treble Cone with 5/6 favourite El Greco another length back in third. Liscannor Bay made a promising debut staying on nicely in the closing stages to finish close-up in fourth.
Donnacha O'Brien said, “He was the one that had the rating in the race. Everything else had to prove they were up to him and they weren't. The small field suits him as it gives him confidence when he sees he's able to pick up everything around him and he's done it nicely in the end.
“I can't imagine the handicapper can do much after that. Hopefully he can win a few handicaps now.”
(GC & AM)
