Bay powers home under O'Donoghue

St Brelades Bay recorded his first win since April of last year, as he ran out a good winner of the Dublin Coach Handicap.

Second on his penultimate start over the course last month, the Jessica Harrington trained five-year-old since disappointed when sent off favourite on soft ground at Cork.

Available at 12/1 this morning, the son of Camacho opened on-course at 9s, before going off an 8/1 chance in the colours of the Jennings Carmichael Partnership.

Settled behind the leaders on the inner, the bay victor was pushed along to lead at the furlong pole, and kept on well under pressure from there, going on to score by three and a half lengths. Polly Douglas (8/1) finished second under Andrew Breslin for Kieran Cotter, while Rattling Jewel (20 this morning and from 8s to 7s on-course) was another two lengths back in third for Wayne Lordan and Nicole McKenna. Alans Pride was sent off the 11/2 favourite and he finished a disappointing tenth under Danny Sheehy for Richard O'Brien.

"He did that very very well and it's great to get him to win this season," said Kate Harrington.

"He loves it up the Curragh and has run his best races this season up here.

"We'll have a look at the calendar and see what there is for him now. He loves that good ground and loves it here so we'll see.

"He's a very good lead horse and is worth his weight in gold at home."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards requested a report from Mrs. John Harrington, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of St Brelades Bay, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Ms. Kate Harrington, authorised representative of the trainer, felt that a combination of a liking for the track, a drop back in trip, more favourable ground and a better draw had brought about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson