Drumcrow Kaiser the chief in three-way photo

The first round of the Comerford Cakes Open 525 (formerly National Puppy Stake) got underway on Saturday night at Shelbourne Park, and it was unsurprising that the fastest time of the round came in the second heat.

However, the winner, Drumcrow Kaiser, caught many by surprise as Roy Ruddy’s November ’13 whelp returned odds of 8-1 when coming out on top in a three-way photo finish with Creamery Bale and Jaytee Dutch.

Creamery Bale put his nose in front before halfway but the winner followed him around, with favourite Jaytee Dutch making rapid inroads in behind. There was little to separate them thereafter and Drumcrow Kaiser did just enough to prevail, by a short head in 28.33, from Creamery Bale, with Jaytee Dutch just a neck further back.