The Happy Prince is driven out by Joseph O'Brien to beat Penny Pepper© Photo Healy Racing
The Happy Prince made virtually all as he took the Woodlands 100 Club Handicap under Joseph O'Brien for his father Aidan.
The son of Rip Van Winkle won his maiden at Limerick last month before going down by just half a length to Postulation on his next start at Dundalk.
Making his debut in handicap company this evening he was available at 7/2 in a place this morning, opening on-course at just 15/8 before going off the clear 7/4 favourite.
Sent to the front after a furlong he was ridden two furlongs out, drifting right inside the final furlong and slightly impeding the runner-up, Penny Pepper in the process.
Once straightened up he kept on well and went on to score by half a length.
A Stewards Enquiry was called shortly after they past the post but the result remained unaltered.
Penny Pepper was returned at 6/1 under Chris Hayes for Kevin Prendergast while Romiac (12/1) kept on well to take third a further length and a half back under Leigh Roche for Sheila Lavery.
Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "I wasn't sure about coming back to six furlongs but he has plenty of speed.
"He's a little funny when he gets there. It was the same in Limerick as he swerved when he got there. Six or seven is probably his trip."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards enquired into possible interference inside the final furlong involving The Happy Prince, ridden by J.P. O'Brien, placed first, Penny Pepper, ridden by C.D. Hayes, placed second, Romiac, ridden by L.F. Roche, placed third and Well Done Me ridden by R.P. Cleary, placed seventh. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the judges placings and took no further action.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
