The opening race on the card at the Curragh this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, went to the Jim Gorman trained, Chris Hayes ridden Pierre D'or
The son of Rock Of Gibraltar had two runs to his name before today finishing over twelve lengths fifth to David Livingston on his debut over the course in June.
He then finished fourth to Riviera Poet on the Monday of the Galway Festival at 33/1 over fourteen lengths behind.
It was a boost to the form of both David Livingston and Riviera Poet who are leading fancies for the feature contest this afternoon the Group 2, Futurity Stakes.
Meaning Gold Stone translated from French, the winner led over a furlong out and kept on well in front to score by a length and three parts from Fibril back in second at 20/1.
Newcomer Where's Danny completed the placings a further half a length back in third at 20/1 with Pat Smullen aboard.
The 5/2 favourite Catamount for Kevin Prendergast and Declan McDonogh weakened quickly and was pulled up injured over furlong out.
The winner came in for plenty of support on course being backed from his opening show of 20/1 into 12/1 at the off.
Winning trainer Jim Gorman said afterwards: "He ran very well in Galway. Kevin (Manning) said he didn't get up the hill. Both Aidan and Dermot said it was a good race and Dermot thinks a lot of his fellow (Riviera Poet).
"He was beaten thirteen lengths simply because he didn't get up the hill.
"The Round Towers Stakes back here next Sunday is in the equation for him now.
"Chris (Hayes) said that he will improve from that and he was a bit babyish in front."
Donal Murphy
