King Cuan overcomes adversity to land Naas spoils

Aidan O’Brien won the six-furlong colts’ maiden with debutant Military but stablemate Gallantly was turned over in the finale

'GRAND HORSE': King Cuan wins the Goffs Sportsman's Challenge in the hands of Billy Lee.  Picture: Healy Racing

On a day of mixed fortune for well-touted Ballydoyle newcomers, the Paddy Twomey-trained King Cuan scooped the €100,000 Goffs Sportsman’s Challenge for the local, 15-member Red Lily Syndicate in Naas.

Sent off 4-7 favourite on the back of a maiden success in Cork last week, the Tasleet colt, ridden by Billy Lee, was challenging on the inner when hampered by runner-up Jakajaro approaching the furlong-pole.