Crimson Sunrise snatched victory late on in the opening Lynn Lodge Stud Auction Maiden at Navan this afternoon. Rockview Diamond looked to have settled matters in the sprint when kicking clear over a furlong from home.
Pat Smullen got a good tune from Crimson Sunrise inside the final furlong, however, chasing down that rival and just getting her head in front at the line.
The Dermot Weld-trained daughter of Holy Roman Emperor had finished mid-division on two previous starts, when racing prominently, and the winning rider revealed a change of plan today reaped dividends.
"We decided to change tactics today. She settled a lot better and came home well," said Smullen.
"Six furlongs is her trip. She's tough and she tries."
It was the first winner that Weld has trained for Mrs Ann Lambe, wife of one of the yard's top owners Dr Ronan Lambe. Homecoming Queen was well supported from 9/2 in the morning into even-money favourtism.
She couldn't pick up inside the final furlong, however, finishing a length-and-a-half back in third.
