The smallest field of the day of six went to post for the second race on the card, the Louth/Meath/Westmeath I.T.B.A Race over seven furlongs with Aidan O'Brien's only runner of the day East Meets West prevailing by a head under Colm O'Donoghue.
The winning son of Dansili had three runs to his name before today with his best run coming on his second start at Tipperary, where he finished just three parts of a length and a short head third to Strait Of Zanzibar in the Listed Hurricane Run Stakes where he didn't get the clearest of runs.
However he disappointed last time out at York finishing a well beaten eleventh of thirteen in the Group 3, Acomb Stakes.
Sent off at 10/3 today, the winner was always on the pace and lead entering the straight. He then fended off the strong challenge of Pitlochry the 7/4 favourite, to just hold on by a head.
The pair went a length and a half clear of Van Rooney who finished third at 11/2.
Winning rider Colm O'Donoghue said afterwards: "He was very unlucky at Tipperary when I rode him not to batter him on his second run. He didn't like the ground at York last time out but he liked the ground today and I think he will keep improving." Canaille who was well supported from 9/2 into 11/4 for Jessica Harrington and Fran Berry disappointed, finishing fifth at the finish.
Following the race the Stewards requested a report from Patrick Keating representing Aidan O'Brien, trainer of East Meets West, regarding his improvement in form from his run at York.
Mr Keating reported that the horse did not handle the ground at York (Good/Soft) and today's better ground in his opinion brought about today's improved performance.
The stewards noted the explanation offered.
Donal Murphy
