Phase After Phase much too good for Bellewstown rivals Joseph O’Brien had the 1st and 3rd in the Phil Kierans Memorial Maiden (Plus 10 Race) as the experienced Phase After Phase was very professional in first-time cheek-pieces. O’Brien’s brother, champion jockey Donnacha, wasn’t long about using Phase After Phase’s draw in two, to get to the front. He ended up beating favourite, True Motion, and his stable companion Liquor Scholar, by four and three parts of a length and four and a quarter lengths. “He was rated like he should be able to win a maiden,” said Donnacha O'Brien. “The cheek-pieces seemed to step him up, he was fairly sweet with me today and done things right. Hopefully he can improve from there. “The quick ground is a big help to him and hopefully he can progress.” The Stewards requested a report from Joseph Patrick O'Brien, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Phase After Phase, placed first, as compared with its most recent run. B. Powell, Authorised Representative, reported that the trainer was advised by the rider at the Curragh to apply cheek pieces in future. This combined with a return to better going today may have led to an apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report the Stewards noted the explanation offered. N.M. Crosse, rider of Take My Hand, trained by Michael Mulvany, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was slowly away. (GC & EM)
