Game Gatamalata finally gets her head in front

Gatamalata put in a game front running performance to land division one of the Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Handicap under Shane Foley for trainer Joe Murphy.

The five-year-old daughter of Spartacus showed great promise in her juvenile career, finishing second in a Listed contest but she lost her way since.

Sent off at 10/1 on her nineteenth career start, she made all and despite being strongly pressed inside the final furlong by Khelino she held him off to win by a neck.

Khelino had to settle for second under Billy Lee for Rodger Sweeney at 7/1 while Furacano was two and a quarter lengths back in third under Pat Smullen for Tracy Collins at 10/1. The Reek was the gamble of the race, going from 9/1 into 5/1 favourite on track (was 14/1 this morning) but he could only manage a disappointing eighth under Ronan Whelan for Pat Martin. Black N Brew was sent off at 6/1 but he trailed home in last and was found to be post-race lame when examined by the Turf Club vet.

Joe Murphy said afterwards: "What is that saying? Patience is a virtue!

"She was Listed placed as a two-year-old but she lost her way. It’s great to get a win with her and she’ll go to Killarney next week.

"It’s been a long road, but persistence pays off. We always thought she could win a race.

"Shane gave her a positive ride and she stayed on well. Maybe the eyeshield helped."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham