Texas Moon and Billy Lee © Photo Healy Racing
Texas Moon (9/4) made all to win the Goresbridge Maiden in the hands of Billy Lee.
Third on debut at this venue over a furlong further a month ago, the Dawn Approach gelding broke smartly from stall 12 and Lee was able to bring him across to race on the strip of fresh ground available near the running rail.
The winner asserted two out and wasn’t in any danger throughout the final furlong even though the placed horses did close the gap near the line. A length and a quarter and a neck were the margins from Eaglefield (7/1) in second and third home Metaphorical (15/8 fav).
It’s been a great few days for Dawn Approach after Poetic Flare’s 2,000 Guineas win, with Tetrarch winner Lunar Space and today's winner just two of several more victorious progeny in recent days for the Redmondstown Stud stallion.
“He ran well here the first day. You always like to advance but sometimes it doesn't work that way,” said winning trainer Willie McCreery.
“He broke very well out of the stalls and Billy got across well into a nice position. The fresh ground is the place to be here.
“I had a walk with Billy and we thought that was the only place to be. He got there and dictated.
“He quickened up well but idled a bit then in the last 100 yards.
“He's owned by myself and Dave Hyland who has been a good client of mine for a good while. I'm delighted for him and his wife Sarah.
“We'll take baby steps with him, he's still raw and I didn't run him purposely as he's still maturing into himself.
“He's from a very good family as his dam is a half-sister to a champion in America.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
