Race cards · Sat 17 May
Saturday 17 May · Navan, Eire
17:00 Royal County Handicap (Premier Handicap)
- Distance
- 1m 2f 40y
- Going
- Good (Good to Firm in places)
- Class
- 0
- Prize
- EUR 45000
- Runners
- 7
Race preview
Unlucky in running when second at Leopardstown on his reappearance, LIGHT AS AIR can gain compensation. The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt was travelling easily with nowhere to go over a furlong out, before flashing home late to get within half a length of the winner. With the form of that race having been well boosted subsequently, this Irish Derby entrant looks well handicapped, despite a 7lb rise. It will be disappointing if he can't exploit a mark of 86 before stepping up in grade. C&D maiden winner Dakota Blue rates the main threat. Johnny Murtagh's gelding won with a bit in hand on his most recent visit here. Curragh maiden winner Kibris will find this easier than recent assignments.
| Pos | Horse | Form | Jockey | Trainer | Wgt | SP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunriseontheboyne | 511092 | Wesley Joyce | M Mulvany | 8 9 | 22-1 | |
| 2 | Dakota Blue | 242-1 | Ben Coen | J P Murtagh | 9 11 | 15-8 | |
| 3 | Light As Air | 33-2 | Wayne Lordan | A P O'Brien | 9 7 | 11-10 | |
| 4 | Dahlia Noir | 2835-51 | Gavin Ryan | Donnacha O'Brien | 9 2 | 8-1 | |
| 5 | Kibris | 1-65 | Scott McCullagh | J P O'Brien | 9 12 | 16-1 | |
| 6 | Dignam | 2150-56 | Declan McDonogh | J P O'Brien | 9 9 | 12-1 | |
| 7 | Heishybrid | 23100-6 | Chris Hayes | N Meade | 8 7 | 25-1 |