"He's a lovely big horse, and those colours (of owner/breeder Peter Jones) have been very lucky to me in the past," stated Andy Oliver after winning the first split of the Nursery Of Champions Handicap at Naas with Cacique Royale under Shane Foley.

Soon up there dictating, the successful three-year-old asserted over a furlong out to keep favourite A Few Bob Short at bay by a length and a half.

"He was just too weak earlier in the year. We gave him a break over the summer and he's come back physically better and stronger. Hopefully there is more improvement in him physically but I was pleased to see that today," further reflected Oliver.

"It was a lovely intelligent ride by Shane. He saw that there was no pace and he was able to take it on from the front."

The Tyrone handler concluded: "I was a wee bit concerned that the ground might be too quick but I walked it myself and they have done a great job."

R.C. Colgan, rider of Maid In Manhattan trained by A.J.Martin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount didn't travel in the early stages of this race.

(AM & EM)