Cork trainer Paddy Twomey records his first treble at Mallow

Cork native Paddy Twomey, who is based in Golden in County Tipperary has enjoyed a blistering start to the flat campaign. 

He has a particularly impressive strike rate at Cork Racecourse. 

That recurring trend yielded further dividends on Tuesday night as Twomey recorded his first ever career treble at the Mallow venue. 

He combined with stable jockey Billy Lee to score with Rogue Legend (4/6), No Alibi (1/3) and Royal Entry (85/40). 

The latter sealed Twomey’s three-timer after an amazing performance in the Mallow Fillies Maiden under a superb ride from the genial Billy Lee Rogue Legend (4/6) set the tone for Twomey's evening of dominance in the opener at Cork in the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden. 

He'd been a real eye-catcher when runner up here on debut a fortnight ago after a tardy start. He was backed at Evens overnight and 4/5 was snapped up in the ring.

The grey colt knew his job last night and was always well placed under Billy Lee. 

He assumed control approaching the furlong marker and asserted to score a shade readily.

He sports the silks of the Rogues Gallery Partnership who also have horses in England and France. 

Fifteen enthusiastic members were present to greet the winner. 

Paddy explained that they have ambitious hopes for their exciting juvenile.

"He has the Windsor Castle (Royal Ascot) as an option, but a winners' race is next on Tuesday at Tipperary."

This was the owner's first winner in Ireland and he looks a progressive type.

No Alibi (1/3) completed a quickfire double for Twomey and Lee in the Signal Mutual Maiden. 

She'd been supported when second on debut at the Curragh. 

She was backed overnight at 4/5 and shortened in the ring from 4/9 into 1/3. 

Those who took the skinny fractions had a few anxious moments during and after the race. 

She looked set for victory when taking over from market rival Stella Alpina but appeared to bump Willie McCreery's filly, as the pair got quite close.

Ultimately, a photo was called with a nose the margin. 

Favourite backers having garnered the photo verdict were then subjected to a stewards enquiry. 

Evidence was heard from Nathan Crosse, who stated that No Alibi came across him twice, making contact on the second time. 

Billy Lee stated that his mount edged to the left and when corrected changed leads and moved left a second time. 

Billy stated that he made every effort to correct the movement. 

Having viewed the recording, allied to the evidence, the stewards made no alterations to the placings. 

Twomey was delighted that this well bred filly stepped forward from her debut.

"Mine tend to come forward from their debuts and she will continue to improve." 

The winner is a sister to Treasure Trove and obtaining black type will be the ultimate goal.

Royal Entry (85/40) rounded off a night to remember for Paddy Twomey and Billy Lee in the Mallow Fillies Maiden with a first treble for the trainer which surprised many of us given Paddy's highly impressive strike rate Royal Entry has been problematic out of stalls and had been slowly away in Killarney last week. 

Last night she completely blew the start and lost a significant amount of ground Billy Lee never panicked and slowly but surely worked his way back into contention. 

Billy produced her to lead at the furlong pole and she won by two and a quarter lengths.

The 6/5 favourite, Tswalu traded short in running and has been costly to follow. 

Twomey paid tribute to his stable jockey who is riding at the peak of his powers just now. 

"Billy was nice and cool on her and he sat in behind them up the straight and picked up and has won nicely."