Naas report: Ernest Rutherford set for class rise after another win for Michael O'Callaghan

Ernest Rutherford and Leigh Roche win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Naas. Picture: Healy Racing

Ernest Rutherford is set to step into Group company, having given Curragh trainer Michael O’Callaghan his sixth juvenile success of the season in the five-furlong Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden in Naas.

The Ardad colt, a 47,000 guineas Breeze-Up purchase, readily reversed Cork debut form with Pepper Streak, whom he beat by two lengths, prompting winning rider Leigh Roche to state: “He was a bit keen early but, from half-way, I knew he’d win. He improved plenty from his Cork run and will improve again.