AMBASSADORIAL looks a colt with a bright future after making a winning debut for Dundalk’s leading trainer Michael Halford in the Horseware Maiden. Kildangan Stud’s Jimmy Hyland, representing successful owners Godolphin, mentioned classic aspirations afterwards for the son of Elusive Quality and that is far from fanciful following an impressive introduction.

The easy to back 10/1 shot challenged on the outer in the straight and quickened up to such effect for Shane Foley in the final 150 yards that he had two and a half lengths to spare at the line over Thomas O’Malley. Gino Severini, available at 6/1 in the morning and further backed on track from 7/2 into 13/8, could only manage third.

Hyland said: “He’s a very green horse and Mick liked him at home. Fingers crossed he has a big future and could be a classic contender for next year if he goes the right way. He’ll probably want a mile.”

Foley was also impressed saying, “we always liked him. He weakened off a bit on us but has really come back recently.

“He’s still quite raw today and was really only ready to start.”

Foley later completed a 43/1 double when War Room readily defied top-weight in division one of the Ecological Waste Management Ltd Handicap. The five-time course winner led over a furlong out in this mile event and stayed on well for an easy four and a quarter-length verdict over Matriarch.

“He’s a solid horse up here but needs a good strong ride and Dusty gave him a peach. He is what he is, a 0-65 handicapper, and he could come back here later in the month. That’s my first winner of the year but we’ve had eight seconds,” said Shane Duffy, who trains the seven-year-old for a Niall Kavanagh-headed syndicate.

Tithonus (11/2) made it five wins in his last eight runs when landing the €25,000 Bar One Racing Handicap. for T & M Racing. The versatile Denis Hogan-trained gelding was runner-up in a maiden hurdle last autumn but the five furlongs here proved no problem, leading a furlong out under Rory Cleary and staying on under pressure to beat Ostatnia by half a length.

“Denis said you have a good draw so jump and use it. It all opened up well and once he got a clear run he stayed at it well. He’s very honest,” said Cleary.

TIPPERARY SUCCESS

On a day when Tipperary’s hurlers were the toast of Croke Park, the county had further success here as Joe Murphy’s Fethard yard also sent out Fit For Function to take the Total Produce Rated Race.

The 10/1 chance, owned by Mick and Patricia Mullane from Limerick, led inside the final furlong for Gary Carroll to score by a length and a half. “He’s so genuine and that’s his chief asset. He handled the surface well, and will come back here for a winter campaign when we’ll find a nice handicap for him over seven furlongs,” said Murphy.

The easiest winner of the afternoon came in the DLK Quality Fuels Apprentice Maiden where Cenotaph belied an absence of over 14 months to readily justify evens favouritism.

Trained for Doreen Tabor by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by his son Donnacha, the War Front gelding cruised to the front over a furlong out and his young rider hardly moved a muscle to come home nearly three lengths clear.

“I don’t think it was the greatest race but he’s won nicely. Hopefully the handicapper won’t be too hard on him,” said Donnacha O’Brien afterwards. The handicapper certainly had his say putting the gelding up from 72 to 95!

Tom McCourt ended a barren run stretching back over seven months when saddling a one-two in the Cara Cancer Support Centre Fundraiser Handicap. Kiss The Stars provided the Stamullen trainer with his last success here back in January but the mare was denied on this occasion by better-fancied stablemate My Good Brother. The 4/1 favourite was prominent throughout under Colin Keane before holding on by a diminishing head.

“That was a long time coming and the two of them may go to Laytown. He does plenty of work on the beach and loves it,” said McCourt, who trains the seven-year-old for Ardee based Oliver Curtis.

Grey Sky Blue travelled like a dream in the two-mile Bar One Racing Handicap and the Andy Oliver owned and trained 8/1 chance was driven out by Billy Lee inside the final furlong to beat Jan Van Eyck by three-quarters of a length.

“She’s a nice moving filly and the ground wasn’t suitable on her last couple of runs. She’s entered in the Ulster Cesarewitch at Down Royal on Friday.”

Johnny Feane was another owner/trainer on the mark and he was pleasantly surprised after Six Silver Lane returned to form in division two of the Ecological Waste Management Ltd Handicap. The 12/1 chance was driven right out by Pat Smullen to hold on by half a length from Specific Gravity. “I’m surprised he won as he’s not been running great but it’s good to know he still has it in him.

Breslin ban

ANDREW Breslin was given a one-day suspension for using his whip unnecessarily on Inishmacateer after his chance of winning or being placed had clearly gone.

Acting stewards

N. B Wachman, T. Hunt, Mrs T. K. Cooper, H. Lappin, M. F. O’Donoghue.

HORSE TO FOLLOW

AMBASSADORIAL (M. Halford) This American-bred juvenile made an impressive debut when quickening clear in the final furlong. Looks sure to progress and his next outing is eagerly awaited.