Lyle The Crocodile digs deep for another win on the sand

Lyle The Crocodile successful over course and distance in January and just denied subsequently over six furlongs, regained the winning thread when taking the Dundalk Winter Series Leading Trainer & Jockey Championship Handicap.

The 5/2 favourite, trained by Joe Murray for his wife Lisa, was prominent throughout but looked in trouble when coming under pressure over a furlong out.

However, he dug deep for 7lb claimer Sam Coen and showed a great attitude getting on top in the closing stages to beat Brigid’s Cloak by half-a-length with Tam Lin just a head away in third.

The placings were confirmed following a stewards enquiry after the winner and third came close inside the final furlong.

Coen said, “We got an easy lead and Wayne(Lordan)'s horse (Leblon Girl) was lairy in front. We were steadying and I thought Ben (Coen on Brigid's Cloak was coming to get me when we were turning in, but my lad was good and hard. He loves that surface.

“He wasn't for giving it away, he's good and gutsy. He never gave up the whole way up the straight.

“I think he might get a mile in time as well.”

Quotes by Michael Graham