Gallagher gets off the mark at his local track

Owner Sean Gallagher gained an overdue win at his local track when his Face Value narrowly landed the concluding Tote Return All Profits To Irish Racing Handicap at Navan today, for trainer Ado McGuinness.

Ridden by capable apprentice Ian Brennan (who carried one pound over-weight on the winner), the son of Tobougg got the better of a battle with The Four Elms close home, for a neck win.

Afterwards McGuinness stated “that's the Sean's (Gallagher) first winner at Navan and that's a bit of a monkey off his back as it's his local track!

“Ian (Brennan) had the race planned out well – he said he was going to have to stretch them down the back and I always knew he'd fight back in the straight. He might go for a novice hurdle at Cheltenham or after that he could go for the November handicap at Leop – he has a few options now.”

Jockey Ian Brennan subsequently received a one day suspension for using his whip with excessive frequency.

On course reporting by Alan Magee