Rock rolls to an overwhelming Gallinule victory

What appeared to be a competitive running of the Heider Family Stables Gallinule Stakes was transformed into a parade at the Curragh by Chief Little Rock.

In the 10-furlong Group Three, the Galileo colt was one of Aidan O'Brien's three runners. Ryan Moore, on the other hand, chose to ride the previously-raced Dundalk winner Mundi, so Wayne Lordan took the ride on a horse that had most recently finished a close third in the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom.

Chief Little Rock (11-4) appeared to be used as a pacemaker early on because he left the stalls fast and gained a significant lead over the pursuing pack.

However, the three-year-old was obviously not going to give up his lead midway up the straight, as he passed the post with a lead of three and a quarter lengths over Stromberg.

After losing his maiden tag at Cork last month, 9-4 favourite Spoken Truth finished last, while Mundi weakened to finish eighth out of nine.

O’Brien said: “I’m delighted with him. He stays very well, is an honest horse and could go to Ascot or back here for the Irish Derby. He’d love to go a mile and a half. We felt at Epsom it was just a bit of a dawdle for him.”