Listowel report: French Claim justifies support in style

Trainer Paddy Twomey and Billy Lee after French Claim won at Listowel. Picture: Healy Racing

French Claim justified the wave of support behind him on debut in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden and did so in the style of a potentially high-class horse.

Ridden by Billy Lee for Paddy Twomey, he missed the kick from his high draw and within a furlong it looked a hopeless case for him. However, he made steady progress through the middle part of the race and when asked for even more, he showed great resolve to see off the horse he deposed as favourite, Bienvenue.