The Aidan O’Brien trained Boris Grigoriev improved one placing from his debut runner-up effort at Tipperary a fortnight ago, when claiming the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at the same venue today.

Ridden by O’Brien’s son Joseph O’Brien, the son of Excellent Art readily accounted for Pinkisthecolour by a length.

The winner carried unusual headgear in that he wore a ‘nose-bag’. O’Brien Snr was not present but the winning jockey did explain “Boris Grigoriev has a pollen allergy and wears the nose-bag to help it. He appreciated the faster ground today and improved from his first run.”

Thomas Weekes