Red Letter Bray and Colin Keane (centre) win from Run Ran Run (right) and Desert Haven (left)© Photo Healy Racing
Michael O'Callaghan's Red Letter Bray just held on in a driving finish to the opening Kuroshio Maiden at Naas this afternoon.
Colin Keane had his mount at the head of affairs in the far side group early in the race, over just shy of six furlongs, and he was disputing at halfway with Beaumadier
The 2/1 shot had a narrow lead passing the two pole and was asked for an effort over a furlong from home.
He was strongly pressed in the closing stages, first by Desert Haven and then close home by 11/8 favourite Run Ran Run who got within a short-head. Desert Haven was a head back in third at the line.
Red Letter Bray was making his second career outing having been sixth behind Auguste Rodin on his debut here last July.
“He’s a nice horse and we have always liked him. He’s pulled a shoe quite badly and Colin thinks he might have done it coming out of the gates and that’s why he was just a little bit awkward,” said O'Callaghan.
“He’s pretty straight forward at home and Colin thought he’ll get an extra furlong. He was quite green and needed the company when he got it.
“Nicer ground will suited him better. We had him ready to start but thought he’d improve from the run.
“I had in the back of my mind that he could be a horse for the seven-furlong Guineas Trial at Leopardstown but it might be a bit soon and he could need some time to get over today with the deep ground and everything.
“I can see him stepping up to that level.
“It’s nice to get a winner out of the new yard and good to get that out of the way.
“We have moved near Brannockstown, about 20 minutes from the Curragh. It’s nice and quiet and the horses are relaxed and they appreciate it.
“We have two gallops and everything we need and with the Curragh not too far away we have the best of both worlds.
“We are in a month now. It is always going to take a bit of transitioning and take a bit of getting used to the gallops.”
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
