Nobler makes the breakthrough in first time blinkers No worse than fourth in six previous starts, Nobler deservedly made the breakthrough in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden. In first time blinkers, the Joseph O'Brien-trained bay made all under Dylan Browne McMonagle and led by three-lengths on the approach to the straight. Soon ridden, the 80-rated victor saw his advantage eroded inside the final furlong, but he was still half-a-length to the good at the line. Newcomer Ulysses Rose was the one chasing him down, with this Gavin Cromwell-trained chestnut returned a 5/1 chance (touched 12s early) under Gary Carroll. There was a further six-and-a-half lengths back to Wonderfulwonderful (22/1) in third. "On paper, he was the best horse in the race so I kept it simple. He jumped, rolled forward, picked up well around the turns and while the other horse was coming at us late, he was only doing what he needed to in front," the winning rider reflected. "He has plenty of ability and since he has got his head in front, hopefully can progress. "The blinkers have sharpened his head a bit. "He has been hitting the crossbar running in solid maidens and has bumped into some nice horses, so I'm glad to get his head in front today." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident turning into the home straight involving Dahoma, ridden by S.T. McCullagh, placed fourth, Ballyshannon Lilly, ridden by S. Foley, placed sixth, Ulysses Rose, ridden by G.F. Carroll, placed second and Wonderfulwonderful, ridden by D.W. O'Connor, placed third, where it appeared Ballyshannon Lilly appeared to get tight for room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. S.T. McCullagh stated that he had to sit for a stride when things became tight crossing the road. S. Foley stated that he had to sit for a stride turning in when things became congested. G.F. Carroll stated that it was his mount's first run, and he felt things became tight when rounding the bend. D.W. O'Connor stated that he felt pressure from his outside for half a stride. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. * The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident after the stalls opened involving Nobler (GER), ridden by D. McMonagle, placed first, Some Good Men Gone (FR), ridden by B.M. Coen, unplaced and Ballyshannon Lilly, ridden by S. Foley, placed sixth, where it appeared horses came together. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. * D.W. O'Connor, rider of Wonderfulwonderful, trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got upset in the stalls. * S.T. McCullagh, rider of Dahoma, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got tight crossing the road. * S. Foley, rider of Ballyshannon Lilly, trained by Mark Fahey, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that he had to sit for a stride turning into the home straight. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
