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Peking Opera leads home 1-2 for Ballydoyle

Peking Opera (centre) and Seamie Heffernan Peking Opera (centre) and Seamie Heffernan
© Photo Healy Racing

Aidan O’Brien sent out a 1-2 in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) Maiden as Peking Opera justified favouritism in workmanlike fashion at Leopardstown.

The Galileo colt filled the runner-up spot on debut at Naas last month and had to work hard here under Seamie Heffernan to go one better.

There was a line of horses in contention at the furlong pole and the 6/5 favourite took a slight advantage from around 150 yards out.

He was driven out to beat stablemate Bertinelli by half a length with Walsingham just a neck back in third.

Stable representative Chris Armstrong said, “He had a lovely run the first day and his work has stepped up since. Seamus gave him a lovely ride. It's nice to get the win with him as a two-year-old and he'll be a horse to look forward to next year over a trip.

“That might be him done for the year, we'll see how he comes out of it.

“Wayne's horse, in second, ran a lovely race and he's one to look forward to for next year as well.”

Quotes by Gary Carson

1st
6/5Fav
Tote €2.20 €1.10
2nd
0.5L
11/4
€1.20
3rd
nk
20/1
€4.80
4th
0.5L
9/2
About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.