Time Bender gives supporters a scare in landing debut victory The Bill Durkan trained Time Bender made most under Chris Hayes to open his account at the first time of asking in the Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden at Leopardstown. Prominent from stalls, the newcomer edged his way to the front to lead after a furlong. Pushed along entering the straight, the 33/1 chance was soon ridden along to maintain his advantage. Strongly pressed by Lucia Molly over a furlong out, the colt showed a smart turn of foot to quicken a couple of lengths clear of his rivals. However, with the race at his mercy, the debutant showed real signs of greenness in veering badly right inside the last 50 yards. To his credit, the eventual winner kept going to score tidily by one-and-three-quarter lengths. Assistant trainer Gary Bannon said: “He always worked reasonably well and has got stronger since May. We were planning to run him in a barrier trial that got cancelled so we’d no option but to come here. He’s for sale. “Chris said he just ducked near the line. “We have the mare at home and it’s a nice family. It goes back to Miss Beatrix and Miss Beebee.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
