Earl Of Tyrone © Photo Healy Racing
With several possible dangers having been scratched, Paddy Twomey's Earl of Tyrone was sent off a prohibitive 1/5 favourite for the Ornan Kitchens Maiden and duly obliged with a facile success.
Unlucky in running when gambled on for a Leopardstown handicap on his previous start, Billy Lee had a smooth passage in this smaller field and sat second to Granville Street He sent his mount past the latter two furlongs out and the Australia gelding readily went clear to account for that rival by seven and a half lengths with Cristal Clere a further three lengths back in third.
Billy Lee said: "He has (done it comprehensively). He had good form but he hadn't the win on the board. Paddy (Twomey) found this good opportunity.
"He ran well in Leopardstown and met with a little bit of interference that day on the home turn but I don't think we would have beaten the winner that day.
"I think he has improved from the run. The application of the tongue-tie was a big help, that was Paddy's call and it seemed to work a treat.
"He has done the job but he has done it well and I think he will gain confidence from that and hopefully he is a nice horse for those bigger handicaps.
"He stays well and I'd even say he would get 1m6f. He settles well and there's plenty of options for him. He's still nicely weighted."
And on his own form, he said: "I'm delighted with the way things are going and the horses are in good form. I'm getting plenty of nice rides so long may it continue."
Quotes from Michael Graham
