Ruler’s Control brings Amo run to an end in Curragh maiden

Ruler’s Control ended Amo Racing’s stranglehold on the opening race of the Irish Flat turf season when just holding on in the Topgear At Capital Stud Irish EBF Maiden at the Curragh.

Kia Joorabchian’s operation have successfully started off subsequent Group One winners in this contest in the past three years and usual order was expected to be continued, as Robson De Aguiar’s Force Noir was sent off the 5-6 favourite in the hands of David Egan.

Force Noir clearly understood his assignment as he made his bid, but the eye was always drawn to Jack Foley’s 15-2 chance and Luke McAteer who forced himself to the front with a furlong to run and bravely clung on by head when the favourite rallied late.

“It was a good performance. We thought an awful lot of this horse coming here today,” said Foley.

“He had worked with a couple of the older ones and he was showing signs that he could be very good. We hadn’t anything able to work with him at home.

“We were hoping he’d improve plenty for whatever he did today but we did think an awful lot of him.

“He got a small bit lonely, he hasn’t been away a whole lot. We were happy coming here anyway.

“Luke gave him a great ride and everything worked out on the day.”

He added: “This race usually throws up a real good horse and that’s what we think this horse is.

“We haven’t thought beyond today. We were coming here to get today out of the way and see where we go.

“He’ll be offered for sale and if he’s not sold we’ll dream with him. We think plenty of him.”

Elsewhere on the card, Andrew Slattery’s Pollenca (10-1) put herself in the Classic conversation when flying home to down Aidan O’Brien’s evens favourite Signora in the Mental Health Matters Fillies Maiden.

Slattery said: “I expected it to be honest with you. She had a nice run in Dundalk and probably should have won. She ran a bit green.

“We decided to put her away for this race. I would have been disappointed if she was beaten, she’s a nice filly.

“She’ll stay a mile, maybe a mile and a quarter and she was always going to win when she started rallying. I think she’s a nice filly.

“You could say she’d go for a Guineas trial, but I think she’d be better at a mile. That seven furlongs is the least she wants, the ground made the difference there. The owners are sellers so I might not have her too long.”