Curragh on a high

High Curragh confirmed the promise he had shown on his debut with a game victory in the opening race at Ayr this afternoon.

Kevin Ryan’s youngster had finished third at Beverley 18 days ago and was sent off a solid 5-2 second-favourite to improve on that effort in the Kennedy Construction Median Auction Maiden Stakes.

Neil Callan was always prominent on the eventual winner before booting him into the lead two furlongs from home and repelling 7-4 market leader Frank Crow by three-quarters of a length.

After dismounting Callan said: “I really like him and that’s the horse we know at home.

“He’s still a big baby and he was green as grass last time. He started idling in front today and I put that down to greenness again.

“He’s definitely a nice horse for the future.”