Cork jockeys Wayne Lordan and Shane Fitzgerald land big wins

INNISHANNON jockey Wayne Lordan is enjoying a purple patch with the Ballydoyle two-year-olds. 

He struck again in the opening race at Fairyhouse on Easy Mover. She made a winning debut in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. 

Lordan also landed the opener at Leopardstown on Thursday night on an Aidan O'Brien trained juvenile filly. Bedtime Story was the recipient of a masterful Lordan drive, beating her much touted stable companion Giselle.

He had to settle for fourth on his other mount on Friday for Ballydoyle. Oklahoma City looked decidedly green when 13/8 favourite in the Tote Maiden won by Highland Bling.

The choicely-bred Easy Mover was easy to back in the Fairyhouse opener. She was 6/4 but drifted out to 16/5. 

Lordan produced her to join the Naas Barrier trial winner Peregrine Falcon at the furlong pole. Having mastered that rival,she withstood the late flourish of the eye-catcher Canto Della Terra. She prevailed by a head and holds an entry in the Group Two Airlie Stud Stakes at the Curragh.She will also be considered for Royal Ascot.

The winner, in an ironic twist of fate, is a half-sister to the ill fated San Antonio. Lordan suffered a horrific fall from San Antonio in last year's Irish Derby at the Curragh. 

She's also a half sister to The Liffey, a colt Lordan partnered to victory at Listowel last Sunday in the Pat Smullen Memorial race. Tonight's victory was a ride of the highest calibre from Lordan. I'd describe it as a strong winning ride with an educational twist.

The Corkonian was also seen to great effect on Thursday night in the opener on Bedtime Story at Leopardstown. Aidan O'Brien saddled the first two home but not quite as punters had envisaged.

Lordan was aboard the perceived stable second string. 

She wasn't neglected in the market however. Informed punters backed from 10/1 into 5/1. Her stable companions Giselle went off the 8/11 favourite and finished second. The winner has a pedigree to die for. She's by Frankel out of the dual Group One winner Mecca's Angel. She was given a patient introduction by the Cork jockey. 

She only struck the front inside the final 100 yards. She won going away by a length and a quarter. 

The runner-up Giselle shouldn't be dismissed,despite last night's defeat. The winner and the runner-up have the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot on the Saturday as a possible target. 

Lordan rode a winner at the Royal meeting last year when he took the Jersey Stakes on Age Of Kings.

CLONMEL

Buttevant pilot Shane Fitzgerald landed the opening beginners chase at Clonmel on Friday on Walnut Beach left clear at the last to win for Pat Flynn. 

The second last fence claimed The Shantou King who still held every chance when coming down.

Fitzgerald has made a good start to the new season.