Bay does it again in Down Royal opener

The Harry Rogers trained Calm Bay just held on to land the Louis Roederer Handicap for the second year running.

Having finished a good second on his last start at Navan - with Little Sweetheart Danz Gift and National Service all behind him, the nine-year-old gelding was installed the 3/1 market leader with Paddy Power last night.

However he proved friendless with punters today and went off an 8/1 chance with all the money coming for Shipyard who was returned the 3/1 favourite (7's last night and from 4's on-course).

Settled behind the leaders the victorious son of Medecis was ridden to challenge from the furlong pole and he hit the front with over 50 yards to race before holding off the late surge of Shipyard by a head.

Little Sweetheart (4/1), who attempted to make all, was a further length and a half back in third under Danny Grant for Pat Flynn.

The winner was ridden to victory by five pound claimer Gary Halpin who was recording his first winner on the turf this season.

Harry Rogers said afterwards: "They went so quick and he lost a bit of room at the start. Gary was good on him. He's a tough little horse and was a bit unlucky in Navan where the line came a bit soon. He's a good servant.

"There's nothing for him in Bellewstown this year but there's a race in the Curragh next week over six furlongs and he'll go there if there's a bit of an ease. He seems to have improved since Navan."

Calm Bay was rated eleven pounds lower when winning this race last year.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham