Leitrim books Irish Guineas ticket

The Brian Meehan-trained Leitrim House put himself in line for the Boylesports Irish 2000 Guineas when running out a three-and-a-half-length winner of the Group Three Rock Of Gibraltar EBF Tetrarch Stakes at the Curragh yesterday.

The Cadeaux Genereux colt was sent off the 5-2 joint favourite and made all the running under Michael Kinane to comfortably hold Grand Reward.

“He had to do all the donkey work but quickened nicely. After he won at Lingfield it was the plan to go for the Irish 2000 Guineas and this has confirmed our view,” said Meehan.

The Group Three Golan EBF Mooresbridge Stakes also fell to a British-trained runner as Richard Hannon’s Nysaean defeated Latino Magic by two and a half lengths.

Always prominent, Kinane’s mount went to the front with a furlong to run and soon had the race in safe keeping as last season’s St Leger winner Brian Boru finished a slightly disappointing fifth, having held every chance in the straight.

“He has matured well and handled the good ground. Michael gave him a lovely ride and the horse settled very well for him. He could be supplemented for the Tattersalls Gold Cup,” said trainer’s representative Peter Doyle.