Strauss defies top-weight for the O'Brien's Richard Strauss made the breakthrough on his tenth career start, as he defied top-weight in the 12th July Horse & Greyhound Racing Handicap. Trained by Joseph O'Brien, and ridden by his brother Donnacha, the son of Kheleyf was sent off the second favourite at 7/2 in the colours of owner Marita Rogers. Prominent early, he was soon settled in mid-division, and was fifth on the inner as they entered the straight. He was ridden in pursuit of the leader with under two furlongs to go, getting up in the closing stages to score by half a length. Border Prince, who was backed from 33/1 to 20/1 on-course, attempted to make all, but he couldn't hold off the winner, and had to settle for second under Colin Keane for John Murphy. Wild Shot (6/1) was another half a length back in third for Donagh O'Connor and Damian English, while the 2/1 favourite (was 10/3 last night and from 7/4 on-course) Shawami was a disappointing tenth under Colm O'Donoghue for Jessica Harrington. Donnacha O'Brien said afterwards: "Today was a little step down in class. We went a nice gallop, he got a good run through and he put his head down when I needed him to. "He seemed like he enjoyed it (surface). It's nice to get a win, hopefully he'll get another one." STEWARDS REPORTS * K.J. Leonard, rider of All The Mollies, trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount reared up on leaving the starting stalls. * C. O'Donoghue, rider of Shawami, trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was eased down in the last furlong when she made a respiratory noise. * The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Shawami, trained by Mrs John Harrington, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Additional reporting by Michael Graham
