Ethical Diamond and Billy Lee win the Limerick Races Maiden© Photo Healy Racing
Nenagh based trainer Michael O'Meara looks to have a real bright prospect on his hands in the shape of Ethical Diamond an easy winner of the Panoramic Restaurant At Limerick Maiden.
Having run well on his first two starts over a-mile-and-a-quarter, the son of Awtaad really improved for stepping up an additional two furlongs tonight.
Billy Lee, having his first ride on the card, after partnered a winner for Adrian Keatley in Ayr earlier this afternoon, made the journey home worthwhile, producing the three-year-old early in the straight to head Beechwood before going away to win comfortably.
The latter had travelled easily under Chris Hayes, heading longtime leader Boston Bongo over two furlongs out, apparently full of running. However, she had no answer to the eventual winner once that one engaged an extra gear.
Michael O'Meara "he is progressing. We were a bit nervous about the ground as he'd want a bit more juice in it but he quickened well on it.
"He stayed today's extra distance and we're happy with him. I didn't think beyond today with him."
Bill Lee: "the plane was slow arriving back (from Ayr) but I always leave things a bit tight! Unfortunately I missed an earlier ride but this makes up for it.
"John O'Donoghue's horse (runner-up Beechwood) was well fancied and they liked her and this fella quickened up well in the style of a good horse."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
