Halford up and running with a winner

Slieve Bearnagh finished off strongly to land the www.roscommonracecourse.ie Handicap under Ronan Whelan.

Off a 213 day break the Zoffany gelding didn’t go un-backed earlier on, eventually sent off at 8/1 for the seven furlong 45 to 65 contest. Golden Days looked good when heading for victory from over a furlong out but he was eventually nabbed by a neck.

“We thought he’d go well at that level but with his inexperience it was hard to tell,” said winning trainer Michael Halford.

“He got stronger over the winter and had a low rating.

“The ground and trip were in his favour and I’m delighted to get it for his owner, Paul Rooney.

“That’s our first winner since the comeback but they’ve been running well.”

(EM)