Moody a surprise visitor, as Gun Carriage just prevails in Killarney opener The market principals dominated from flag fall in the opener at Killarney this evening, with Gun Carriage (11/10f from 4/6) just getting the better of Standard Deviation in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. An encouraging third on debut at Leopardstown last month, the Aidan O'Brien-trained victor soon led under Wayne Lordan, but needed to pull out all the stops inside the final furlong to beat his aforementioned rival by just a nose. The runner-up, who was well-supported from 5s early into 6/4 at the off, came with his challenge with over a furlong to go and while he briefly led inside the final 200 yards, he ultimately came up just short. The front-pair drew four-and-a-half lengths clear of Nepal (22/1) in third. "He had a lovely run at Leopardstown over a mile-and-two the first day and this race just presented itself at the right time, even though he was dropping back in trip," Chris Armstrong, representing Ballydoyle, commented. "He will go back up in trip and has the makings of a nice horse. We'll let him come along gradually and we feel he is maturing all the time. "He is by Gun Runner, who is an unbelievable sire in the States and we are starting to get a few of them in Ballydoyle." Peter Moody, the Australian trainer of Black Caviar, stood in for the winning photo and later explained: "My wife, I and some friends are travelling around on an unplanned road-trip in Ireland, although our only plan was to see Ballydoyle. "I didn't need to see a race meeting but Aidan (O'Brien) said this was the most picturesque racecourse in this part of the world and it is great. "It is very impressive and funny enough there is a course in Victoria called Dunkeld - a one-horse town where they only race once a year, which is on the back of a cliff, and is comparable. "I've had my worst year in 20 years this year but I have a horse for a Group 1 race on Saturday, which I'll be watching from afar." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the final furlong involving Gun Carriage (USA), ridden by W.M. Lordan, placed first and Standard Deviation, ridden by W.J. Lee, placed second where it appeared that contact was made. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. W.M. Lordan stated that he received a bump from his right causing his mount to become unbalanced, which caused him to roll out slightly. W.J.Lee stated that his mount leaned left and was looking for company. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards made no alteration to the Judge’s placings and were satisfied that no further action was warranted. Mr. C. Murphy recused himself from this enquiry. * N.M. Crosse, rider of Master Of Puppets (FR), trained by P.J.F. Murphy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran keen early on. * W.J. Lee, rider of Standard Deviation, trained by P. Twomey, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount rolled slightly left under pressure. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
