Michael Graham
Masoun scores for Murtagh and Coen
Masoun, far side, beats Apercu centre and Aird right
© Photo Healy Racing
Prominent-racer Masoun (3/1) held on by a neck at the end of an extended 1m2f in the Harvertech Handicap at Down Royal for trainer Johnny Murtagh. Apercu the 2/1 favourite, came at him late but was unable to reel him in. Aird (4/1) was a further neck away in third in a thrilling finish.
Ben Coen said: "I was kind of caught out on the wing, so I let him roll forward. He dug it out well.
"He does (stay) and I think in time he might get a little bit further. I think 1m2f is a good trip for him at the minute.
"The last day didn't go right at all, I had a wide draw in Roscommon and dropped him in a bit. On the day, it was very hard to make up ground but I thought he ran better than his finishing position (sixth).
"I thought he was coming with a strong chance."