Massif Central and Pat Smullen© Photo Healy Racing
Owner Paul Rooney, trainer Michael Halford, and jockey Pat Smullen doubled their Dundalk tallies when Massif Central won on his debut for these connections in the www.dundalkstadium.com Maiden.
Bought out of John Murphy's yard for 200,000 Euros at the Goffs sale held before racing at Leopardstown on Champions Weekend, Massif Central delivered at odds of 1/2 here.
Smullen now has Colin Keane back to five in the race to be champion jockey for 2017.
After Massif Central got home by a length and three parts and half a length from the Ballydoyle duo, Pipes Of Peace and Pennsylvania Halford said: "It's not the nicest of conditions but it's nice to get his maiden won.
"We're only feeling our way along with him. He obviously had the form to win it and when you give a good few quid for a lad like that it's nice to see them go and win.
"He's a big scopey horse. We'll talk to Paul and see where we go from there. You'd like to think he'll only get stronger with time.
"He showed a very good attitude in those conditions to pick up as it's not easy and we were very happy with him.
"We'll get him home and see now. There are a few handicaps up here. We had it in the back of our head that we might bring him to Dubai but I'm not sure if he's mature enough for that yet. We'll get him home and have a think about it.
"I'm delighted for Paul who is a huge supporter of the yard. To be able to give big money for a horse like that is a great position to be in and he deserves all the luck."
Rooney, Halford and Smullen's earlier winner was Katiymann in the 6.30.
S. Foley, rider of Perfect Tapatino (FR), trained by Damian Joseph English, reported to the Stewards that his mount came off the bridle very early and stopped quickly in the straight.
(GC & EM)
