The First Turn lands gamble on debut The First Turn landed a gamble in the concluding Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Flat Race, as he justified 2/1 favouritism, having been available at 8s in early shows. Trained by Sam Curling and from the family of prolific point-to-point winner Some Are Lucky, who Curling also trained, the Berkshire bay was picked up at the Tattersalls May Store Sale for E8,000. Given a patient ride by David Doyle, he made good progress on the outer approaching the straight and came with his challenge with over a furlong to go. While briefly impeded inside the final 200 yards, he quickened up smartly in the closing stages and came home three-quarters of a length to the good. With Derek O'Connor aboard, Lennon Grove (11/2) filled the runner-up spot, while Mc Swagger and Of Land And Sea were close behind in third and fourth respectively. "I thought he would be too green as it was his first time on grass and while he is a lovely horse, I didn't think he'd win first-time," Curling revealed. "I won't over race him this year and there is plenty of improvement in him. "The owners are from near Punchestown so he could have a break now and go there in the spring. He was a cheap horse but you'd buy enough dear ones that don't work out. "He is eligible for the Reds Mills Hurdle series but I might wait until next season for that." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident in the straight involving The First Turn, ridden by Mr D. Doyle, placed first, and Lennon Grove, ridden by Mr D. O'Connor, placed second, where it appeared Lennon Grove hung left and bumped The First Term. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. * Mr D. O'Connor, rider of Lennon Grove, trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was green in the latter stages. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
