Lethal Power (white face) is ridden out by Shane Foley© Photo Healy Racing
Lethal Power who is a half-brother to dual Group 1 winner Lethal Force, got off the mark in the Connaughton Auctioneer's Maiden, making all under Shane Foley for Johnny Murtagh.
Unplaced in three starts as a two-year-old, the son of Acclamation was second on his handicap debut at Killarney last month, before finishing fourth to Medal Of Honour on his most recent outing at the Curragh.
Sent off the 11/8 favourite this evening, the 80 rated victor was sent straight to the front by Foley.
He was ridden and edged left a furlong and a half from home, hampering Dream Focus who in turn impeded Maunganui
Once straightened up, the winner kept on well for pressure inside the final furlong, going on to score by three parts of a length.
Newcomer High Mounte (7/1) ran on well to take second under Donnacha O'Brien for his brother Joseph, while Maunganui (12s to 8s) was another neck back in third.
The aforementioned Dream Focus (9s to 5s on-course) was again squeezed for room inside the final furlong, and he eventually finished fifth.
"I have to give the owner (Flor Ryan) credit. I was struggling to find a mile and a quarter handicap for him and he said why don't we go for a maiden," said Murtagh.
"He's still a bit raw, Dusty said he's learning, so hopefully there is a bit more to come from him.
"He's a well-bred horse and it's good for him to win. He's rated 80 so I don't think the handicapper can do much to him. Hopefully he'll be able to win his handicap off that.
"I was looking for a mile and a quarter handicap on a nice track and couldn't find one. We'll see how he is now, there is no rush now, the pressure is off as he's won his race.
"I've been telling the owner he's going to win for the last three runs!
"We can maybe give him a little bit of time now, as we've been hard enough on him, and see can he improve up to what I think he can be."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards enquired into possible interference about one and a half furlongs from the finish and again at the one furlong pole involving Dream Focus, ridden by K.J. Manning, placed fifth, High Mounte, ridden by D. O'Brien, placed second, Lethal Power, ridden by S. Foley, placed first and Maunganui, ridden by R.P. Whelan, placed third, where it appeared Lethal Power had drifted off the rails in the first incident and Maunganui had moved inwards onto the path of Dream Focus in the second incident. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judges placings and took no further action.
S. Foley, rider of Lethal Power trained by J.P. Murtagh, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount shied away from the stalls and the handlers about two furlongs from the finish.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
