Long time between drinks for No More Porter

No More Porter (4/1 fav) ended a 28-race losing streak stretching back over three years when landing the concluding SBK Handicap at the Curragh.

The Elzaam gelding hadn't been beaten far in a couple of premier handicaps at headquarters before running poorly when market leader at Listowel on Tuesday. Punters who backed him in from 10/1 this morning had their loyalty rewarded when he came from well off the pace with a strong run towards the favoured stands' side to collar Chicago Fireball close home for a half-length success.

It was a good end to proceedings for jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle who had earlier scooped the big prize of the day, the Goffs Million, on Apples And Bananas  

Trainer Ado McGuinness said: “He was very good on him. He doesn't usually back up his races and I took a chance after the other day in Listowel.

“Fair play to Ronny (Whelan), he didn't abuse him the other day after his chance was gone. He didn't have a hard race and came home and grubbed up well. That was a big factor to running him again. 

“He never runs a bad race here, it was probably my mistake going to Listowel. It's worked out now so it's not too bad. 

“He's been a bit unlucky and hasn't won in a few years, since we bought him. He's been second in a Galway Mile and in three or four good premier handicaps. 

“He's a very good horse in those big handicaps when they go fast. They went good and fast today, he hit a bit of a flat spot in the middle but he stays galloping. 

“He's well handicapped if we can get another pot somewhere. There is a race on the last day of the year at Leopardstown but he doesn't want it very soft either. 

“We'll play it by ear and might even get something in Dundalk for him.” 

Quotes from Gary Carson