New Radical finishes with a flourish to deny Karrygrant The fast finishing New Radical got up on the line to deny Karrygrant in the season opener at Bellewstown, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden. Third on debut at Dundalk in February, the Jack Davison-trained bay was a bit short of room early on this evening, and soon found himself towards rear. Making progress on the outer with over two-furlongs to go, he still had plenty to do in second inside the final 200 yards. Soon finding an extra gear under James Ryan, the JWD Partnership-owned 12/1 chance ultimately prevailed by a short head, with the aforementioned Karrygrant (5/6f), who led for much of the contest, having to settle for second. The front pair drew seven-and-a-half lengths clear of the well-supported Templenoe (9/4 from 8s early) in third. "It was a masterful ride from James. The horse didn't make life overly easy for him, he's an immature horse mentally," Davison said. "To be fair to the horse, when he hit the rising ground, he stuck the head down and he did try for him, so I'm delighted with the result. "Third in Dundalk and did everything wrong. His education was kind of a priority here today and as I say, a masterful ride." STEWARDS REPORT * Adam Caffrey, rider of Dixie Doodle, trained by Noel Meade, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got upset in the stalls. * The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident at the road crossing in the home straight involving Halon Bay, ridden by L.T. McAteer, placed fourth, and Prince Andorra, ridden by D.W. O'Connor, placed fifth, where it appeared Halon Bay became unbalanced crossing the road and rolled across Prince Andorra. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. Additional reporting by Michael Graham
