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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

First Cornerstone in 33/1 upset

Fri 10th Aug 2012, 19:34

First Cornerstone, yellow, takes home the spoils at TipperaryFirst Cornerstone, yellow, takes home the spoils at Tipperary
© Photo Healy Racing

Andy Oliver’s First Cornerstone the 33/1 outsider of the seven runners in the featured Listed Coolmore Canford Cliffs Stakes at Tipperary, was punched home by Chris Hayes for a pot of over 30,000 euro.

Hayes guided the son of Hurricane Run into the lead at the furlong pole past Orgilgo Bay (10/1) and drove him out for a three parts of a length verdict.

The success wasn’t a shock to Andy Oliver who has plans for his horse. He said: “He’s always been a horse that showed a bit at home. On his pedigree he was always due to start off at seven furlongs so we have not rushed him.

“He had a nice run first time at Down Royal when he was very green and Michael Cleere looked after him [deadheated for third on July 27].

“The natural progression would have been to go for a maiden, but I thought this looked a good opportunity.

“Chris gave him a lovely patient ride and he always looked to be travelling best in the race.

“We’ll look at his options now – whether we need to supplement him, but he’ll be stepping up to Group level now.

“I’d say there’s a good deal more left in him and he should progress.”

Aidan O’Brien’s King George River who won a mile maiden at Gowran Park, was the 5/4 favourite, but trailed in last of the seven runners.

(on course reporting by Alan Magee)

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.