Killourney Reigns supreme in Down Royal opener Killourney Reigns made the breakthrough on his fifth start, as he led home 11 rivals in the opener at Down Royal this evening, the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden. Far from disgraced when last of five in the Group 3 Anglesey Stakes on his most recent start, the Johnny Murtagh-trained bay was sent off the 6/4 favourite this evening. With a first time tonguestrap deployed, the 85-rated victor was never far from the pace under Ben Coen and was pushed along to lead with over a furlong to go. Soon ridden clear, he comfortably held off the late surge of Baker Blue (10/3 from 11/2 early), with a length-and-a-quarter between them at the line. Well-supported from early shows of 15/2, Bad Boy Rizz (7/2) was another three-and-a-half lengths back in third. "It did (go to plan), he was probably the form horse coming here. He jumped, he travelled and I got on the back of Dylan (Browne McMonagle, Prospect Thunder) and he relaxed and pulled out and quickened well," Coen reflected. "I suppose he was entitled to do that, but the drop back to five (furlongs) today really suited him. "He works like a nice colt, probably disappointed that he hadn't won his maiden hence why we ran him in a Group 3 the last day. "I think five furlongs will probably be his game now. He travels very comfortably at a fast pace, so I don't see a reason to change it. "I knew from riding him at home he had plenty of speed. I thought he was the best horse coming here, so I rode him like that." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident at the road crossing involving Baker Blue (GB), ridden by S. Foley, placed second, and Bad Boy Rizz, ridden by G.F. Carroll, placed third, where it appeared Bad Boy Rizz shifted slightly left into the path of Baker Blue. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. * D. Browne McMonagle, rider of Prospect Thunder, trained by Adrian Murray, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right up the straight. Additional reporting by Michael Graham
