First Cornerstone, yellow, takes home the spoils at Tipperary© Photo Healy Racing
Andy Oliver’s First Cornerstone the 33/1 outsider of the seven runners in the featured Listed Coolmore Canford Cliffs Stakes at Tipperary, was punched home by Chris Hayes for a pot of over 30,000 euro.
Hayes guided the son of Hurricane Run into the lead at the furlong pole past Orgilgo Bay (10/1) and drove him out for a three parts of a length verdict.
The success wasn’t a shock to Andy Oliver who has plans for his horse. He said: “He’s always been a horse that showed a bit at home. On his pedigree he was always due to start off at seven furlongs so we have not rushed him.
“He had a nice run first time at Down Royal when he was very green and Michael Cleere looked after him [deadheated for third on July 27].
“The natural progression would have been to go for a maiden, but I thought this looked a good opportunity.
“Chris gave him a lovely patient ride and he always looked to be travelling best in the race.
“We’ll look at his options now – whether we need to supplement him, but he’ll be stepping up to Group level now.
“I’d say there’s a good deal more left in him and he should progress.”
Aidan O’Brien’s King George River who won a mile maiden at Gowran Park, was the 5/4 favourite, but trailed in last of the seven runners.
(on course reporting by Alan Magee)
