Parkside Lad gets up late to make it third time lucky Having shaped with definite promise in two stronger maidens, the Bill Durkan trained Parkside Lad registered a first career success when winning the Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden at Bellewstown. Sent off 1/1f, the Gary Carroll partnered son of Elzaam was smartly into stride to track the pace in the initial stages. La Masia took the octet along, closely followed by newcomer Star Of Sapphire. As the leader gave way early in the straight, Star Of Sapphire came through to take over in front under Chris Hayes. Carroll went second on Parkside Lad over a furlong out but looked to have plenty to do as the leader kicked a couple of lengths clear. Gradually getting to Star Of Sapphire inside the final furlong, the eventual winner led close home to record a half-length success. Assistant trainer Gary Bannon said: "Seamie (Heffernan) said the last day to go back to five. He needs softer ground and he said 'you will have a helluva lot of fun with him'. "Obviously, we bought him to sell him. People had come to look at him, but when you are buying that low you are not going to get everything perfect with his conformation. He was bought for a bit of fun and we have had a bit of fun so far. "I knew he would put his head down and gallop. We were in a lot of trouble the last day in Navan and he picked up, so I knew he would find for me. "It is the one we wanted - we have trained from five furlongs to four miles two furlongs. It is a proud moment to me and it is my local track. I walk the dog around here plenty and I know every blade of grass of this place. "To be in the position I am is unbelievable, the Durkans have been very good to me. "He's had three quick enough runs, so we will give him a week or two and see what way he comes out of it. He has definitely paid us back anyway and not many do in this game." Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
