Mouse proves real Friend to Curragh punters Runner-up on his racecourse debut over course and distance last month, the Andy Oliver trained Our Friend Mouse went one place better when winning the Diageo Luxury Spirits Irish EBF Maiden at the Curragh. Despite drifting in the market from 2/1 out to 9/2, those that kept faith with the gelding were rewarded as he opened his account under Billy Lee. Settled mid division in the early stages, Our Friend Mouse travelled easily in sixth as the runners entered the home straight. Switched out to go second over a furlong out, the eventual winner joined leader Game Point 200 yards from the finish. Both horses engaged in a real battle inside the final furlong, before Our Friend Mouse asserted close home to win by a neck. “He’s a lovely big horse, but very big. He had a very nice debut run but was green,” said Oliver. “Billy have him a perfect ride, arrived at the right time but when he got there he was just a wee bit green again. “When he was coming I thought ‘he’ll win this a length’ but the second rallied and put it up to our horse. “I’m delighted with that. I didn’t come here to get beaten, I was very hopeful we’d win and the race went perfectly to plan. “The two favourites were battled hardened horses and I knew experience would probably be our stumbling block but he overcame that and it was a very nice run. “He is a big horse and we minded him last year for that reason. He is filling out and I think he has improved physically since his last run. “His future is yet to come. We haven’t made any plans beyond this and we’ll see what turns up.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
