Double for Lyons as Suspect Device finally delivers

Ger Lyons' Suspect Device races with the aid of a tongue-strap and blinkers and persistence paid off for his connections when the fifteen times previously raced son of Verglas landed the Family Day Sunday 10th July Handicap under Keagan Latham. The Sean Jones-owned three-year-old was bringing up a double for Lyons who landed the first with Bible Black at Fairyhouse.

Suspect Device jinked a bit near the line but it was too late for his rivals as the victorious grey had led from over a furlong out after coming from off the pace. He kept up the gallop to score by a neck. Giant Slalom bolted before the start but amazingly he was still able to perform with credit to be just three parts of a length further back in third.

Lyons said: "It's a real bonus when a good hardy horse like him wins. He's been turning out every week for the last few months as far as I can see.

"Young Gary (Phillips) has been getting on well with him but I just thought it was time to put a senior jockey on him.

"He misbehaved in the stalls last time and bit his tongue-tie off – you can draw a line through that run.

"On his best form he had a chance but everything had to go right for him."