IT proved a perfect result for sponsor Joe Foley in the €300,000 Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes at Naas on Monday as Golden Trick beat Jungle Mate.

Foley is also part of the ownership group, the Bronte Collection, that had the first two home in the race, run over just shy of six furlongs.

The syndicate was set up by Steve Parkin whose Clipper Logistics colours have been commonplace on the racecourse for many years.

Golden Trick was drawn one in the race and Ben Coen tracked the leaders on the fair rail on the Hugo Palmer-trained colt.

The son of Galileo Gold kicked clear over a furlong from home and held on at the line by half a length as the Kevin Ryan-trained Jungle Mate came out best on the near side to chase him home.

Coen said afterwards: “I had a lovely run the whole way. He came under me at halfway, I gave him a dig and kept him rolling. I probably got there too soon but he’s a hardy horse and he gets through that ground really well.

“In the last 75 yards he was having a look around and I’d say if something had come close to me he would have went again.

“Hugo said he was straightforward and that he had come on from the last day and he’d handle the ground so to keep it simple. I’m delighted.”

VAUBAN booked his ticket for the Melbourne Cup with a convincing success in the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding was sent to post a 4/6 shot in the €50,000 contest, over just shy of a mile and a half, and it proved plain sailing.

Colin Keane tracked the leaders before sending his mount to the front over two furlongs from home.

Rich Ricci’s gelding galloped on strongly in the closing stages and always looked in control as he posted a length-and-a-half win over Valiant King.

Assistant David Casey said afterwards: “We’re delighted with him and Colin was happy. He said they went a good gallop, a nice even pace, and it suited him.

“It ticked a box, which we were here for today, to get placed to qualify for the Melbourne Cup.

“Everything was right today, there was a bit of ease in the ground and there weren’t many runners so it suited to come today. We’re obviously delighted with what he did.”

When asked if he could run in the Irish St Leger he added: “He’s in all those races but I don’t know whether he’ll have another run or not, or go straight there (to Melbourne). Willie will decide that.

“All those races are options, the Leger trial and the Leger. I don’t know what he’s going to do but he’s entered in them all if he needs them.”

Casey has put his hand up again for the trip to Australia and quipped: “I’m booked and all, that’s the only reason he’s going! I need somebody to accompany me.”

Teddy Boy recorded his fifth career victory when producing a strong late run to claim the apprentice handicap under James Ryan.The Eddie Lynam-trained gelding was pulling away late on to beat At Long Last by a length and a quarter at odds of 9/1.

“He’s been a great servant to the Lynams and I can’t thank them enough for the ride. Day in and day out he puts his heart out there and I’m delighted he’s got his head back in front,” said Ryan.

Jim Bolger’s Golden Spangle recorded back-to-back victories when taking the Weatherbys GSB Handicap. Rory Cleary was prominent throughout on the 11/1 shot and she led two furlongs out, holding the late run of Turbulence by a short-head

Travelling head lad Ger Flynn said: “She’s backed up well from Down Royal the last day. Jim just thought the cheekpieces would make her concentrate a little bit better and he was right.”

RUSH Queen showed a gutsy attitude when chasing down The Caribbean in the closing stages to land the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Rated Race.

The 4/5 favourite looked to have put the race to bed over a furlong from home but Rush Queen stayed on well and grabbed him in the closing stages to record a three-quarter-length win under Cian MacRedmond.

The 5/2 winner is trained by Ado McGuinness for Shamrock Thoroughbreds and he said: “He gave her a great ride. I thought it was going to be tactical and I told him to sit behind Ryan and try and come with one blast with her.

“That’s exactly what he did and she quickened up really well and went away nicely.

“We might hunt a bit of blacktype with her again and maybe even try and find something in England. She’s for sale as well but if she’s not sold we will hunt blacktype.”

Winning debut

Blacktype will also be the aim with Katola, who made a winning debut in the ARKequine ACME Fillies Maiden for Dermot Weld.

The Aga Khan-owned filly came to lead a furlong from home under Chris Hayes, and went on to post a length-and-a-half victory at odds of 15/8.

“She’s a lovely filly. She did it well, she was a little bit green as it was her first run and she’ll come on for it,” said Weld.

“I would have been surprised (if she was beaten). She had to be brave and once she got a bit of daylight, it was all over.

“She’ll progress and you hope to be able to get blacktype with her during the year.”

The in-foal Craft Irish narrowly missed out on blacktype on her penultimate start and will have another shot after her win in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap.

Gamely

Gavin Ryan bounced out in front on the 11/8 favourite and she stuck on gamely in the closing stages to post a comprehensive three-length success in the race, run over just shy of six furlongs.

“She got a little bit lit up jumping out and Gavin said she was a little lit up on the way down as well so he said he’d just go forward on her and use up her energy,” said trainer Pat Murphy.

“I thought she was in a bit of trouble but she dug deep the last furlong. It’s great to get a win out of her this year, it makes it worthwhile keeping her in training.

“She just missed out on blacktype the last day (when fourth in the Yeomanstown Stud Stakes), she’s in foal to Inns Of Court and we have one more race with her.

“There is a listed race in Cork in two weeks’ time and she’ll probably go for that.”