Ben Curtis & Vedani (inside) hold off the challenge of An Saincheann© Photo Healy Racing
John Oxx and the Aga Khan completed a quick double as Vedani made all to take the Kildare Village China Race Day 3yo Maiden over a mile and two furlongs under Ben Curtis.
The bay son of Dalakhani was pressed from two furlongs out but kept on well under pressure inside the final furlong to score by a head at the line.
5/1 shot An Saincheann for Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning was the one who attempted to chase down the winner but he couldn’t peg him back and had to settle for second. Faanan Aldaar at 9/2 was a further half a length back in third for the double seeking pair of Chris Hayes and Paul Deegan.
The other John Oxx trained runner, Zalantoun was sent off the 9/4 favourite and he finished a neck back in fourth while Warwick Avenue who met with trouble in running was a further length back in fifth under Joseph O’Brien at 5/2.
The winner was having just his second career start today after finishing seventh on his debut at Dundalk last month behind Moldowney.
Winning trainer John Oxx said afterwards: "He stayed on well and got through the ground. He will like a mile and a half and a bit better ground. Both horses ran well. We will get a handicap mark for him (the winner) now and see where we will go."
Donal Murphy & Gary Carson
