Atlas just denies Reverberation of a four-timer

Atlas and Joey Sheridan just held off the fast-finishing Reverberation in the Leopardstown Handicap.

Without a win since April of last year, the Denis Hogan trained victor had been running well in defeat of late and was last seen finishing a close-up sixth behind stable mate Turbine over the course and distance.

Sent off at 6/1 this afternoon, available at 10s in early shows, the son of Acclamation raced in mid-division and was ridden from the two furlong pole.

He soon made progress and edged to the front inside the final 150 yards, keeping on well to hold off Gavin Ryan and Reverberation (4/1jfav), who was seeking his fourth win in-a-row, by a head. Tanseeq (10/1 from 28/1 this morning) finished three parts of a length back in third, while Oneiroi (8/1) was fourth. Khafaaq was the other joint-favourite. He attempted to make all but faded tamely once headed inside the final furlong, eventually finishing seventh.

Sheridan said afterwards: "He's a seven-year-old but he still shows loads of spark. He's been a good servant to Denis and his connections.

"He thrived off the way the race was run as they went hard early and he was able to keep going. Thankfully it all worked out.

"In fairness he stuck his head down the last 50 yards and toughed it out well."

Atlas is owned by the Round The Bend Again Syndicate and was recording his fourth career success this afternoon, his third at Leopardstown.

STEWARDS REPORTS

L.F. Roche, rider of Never Back Down trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount missed the kick.

M.P. Sheehy, rider of Dance Emperor trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount broke slowly.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee