Plenty of drama as Olympiad lands gamble

Last night’s finale in Gowran Park, the Thomastown Maiden, produced plenty of drama last night as well-backed Olympiad beat uneasy favourite Zafarkand by a nose and retained the spoils after a Stewards Enquiry.

Ridden by Pat Smullen, Olympaid edged left in the closing stages as Johnny Murtagh delivered his challenge on his outside. The runner-up, making his debut, showed his inexperience by ducking left soon after the furlong-pole before rallying, with Olympaid continuing to edge left.

Opinions differed on the likely outcome of the enquiry, with the layers expecting a change. But the Stewards allowed the result to stand, but advised Pat Smullen to ride with more care in future.