Lee back level after Tucker lands Listed prize

Billy Lee drew level with Colin Keane at the head of the jockeys championship after Moss Tucker landed the Listed Hatstone Solicitors Waterford Testimonial Stakes at the Curragh.

Having gone two down earlier in the afternoon, Lee recorded a quick double to tie the championship once more. Moss Tucker was well away from his high draw here and soon led the stands side group. Pretty Rebel briefly looked a threat on the far side, as she pulled clear of three rivals but inside the last 100 yards she had no more to offer and dropped to fourth.

“Moss Tucker had a big run in Longchamp where he just missed the break. It was costly obviously but he still ran a very good race,” said trainer Ken Condon.

“That's what you get with him, he turns up in any ground and every time. He's very honest, reliable and solid.

“He's obviously improving as he was beaten in handicaps here in the 90s, running well. Billy said running him over the sharp five at Tipperary meant he was comfortable there today and that probably sharpened him up.

“You'd like to think he'd have a productive year again next year. He seems very straight-forward.

“I think he copes with that ground better than most. He did a very fast time at Tipperary, when he was just touched off, on good to firm. He's quite versatile and six is his outer limit.

“He might be a horse for Dubai in March or if he doesn't go there we'll have a nice time making a plan in listed and group races going forward.

“He'll turn up in all those good races over five and six and we'll target a Group 1 again later in the year.

“He'll turn up and he'll try, man or beast, that is a great attribute to have.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson