Daybreak Boy and Pat Smullen are clear© Photo Healy Racing
After his win with Gorane here in October, Henry de Bromhead was at it again as Daybreak Boy landed the spoils in the Happy Christmas From All At Dundalk Stadium Maiden.
Declan McDonogh rode Gorane, and de Bromhead wasn't messing about here either, booking Pat Smullen for the John Byrne-owned Daybreak Boy.
This fellow is a gelded son of Kingsalsa that finished sixth on debut at Gowran in October. That effort on soft to heavy ground came behind Nanabad.
Here favourite Ellaria looked like she'd go and win when looming up to challenge around two down.
However, 7/1 shot Daybreak Boy was much the strongest inside the last for a four and a half length win.
"He's a nice type of horse for a December maiden. We went along at a good pace and it rode not a bad race," said Smullen.
"To be fair Henry was confident of a good run. He said to be positive on him and he'll probably go further than today's trip.
"He was a little bit lonely and green in front and I think he's a horse that will improve away.
"It was heavy ground in Gowran and I can see now why he wouldn't have gone on that. He really enjoyed the nice sound surface and I'd say good ground on grass will be ideal for him.
"He had a nice run in Gowran, and came home well. Henry was very confident and positive about him."
(GC & EM)
