Dubai Deer (left) gets the better of Victory Song and Agreement (right)© Photo Healy Racing
Dubai Deer got off the mark at the fourth time of asking when stepped up in trip in the mile and a half maiden at Tipperary. Agreement the apparent second-string from Ballydoyle but supported from 13/2 into 5/1, set the pace under Seamie Heffernan until headed by the winner approaching the straight.
Chris Hayes’ mount responded well for pressure keeping on gamely for a half-length victory at odds of 15/8 over the rallying Agreement.
The 5/4 favourite Victory Song also threw down a strong challenge in the straight under Joseph O'Brien, and was just a short-head further back in third at the line.
Winning trainer Paul Deegan said, “He was tough as he hated the ground. He just got away with it. Chris knew going down (to the start) that he was in trouble, and he was even doing a bit too much in the race.
“He’s very likable and progressive, and he’s improving with every run and every piece of work. We have no big plans but he could be an Ulster Derby type of horse.”
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
