Merisi Diamond cuts down Mercurial in Roscommon

Merisi Diamond finished off best of all to nail Mercurial in the www.roscommonracecourse.ie Handicap over an extended seven-furlongs.

The five-year-old gelding was played widest of all by Ronan Whelan a furlong and a-half from home and charged into contention inside the final furlong.

Mercurial went for home 150 yards out, but was foiled in the final strides by the strong finish conjured up by Ronan Whelan on Merisi Diamond.

The 11/4 favourite beat the 4/1 runner-up by a neck with Blue Soul a length and a-quarter away in third at 15/2.

Joanna Morgan said:- “He's just a very good horse when he has conditions to suit.

“I ran him, because he was so well, on good to yielding ground but he's different gravy on that sort of ground.

“He's massive and he'll be even better next year. He's 17-1 and fellas are saying to me 'why don't you go jumping?' but he's a Flat horse, a six and seven furlong horse - he ain't a jumper.

“He's a nice horse to deal with but I'm nearly afraid of him at home because he's well and fresh and big. He'd knock you over very quick.

“He's grand, but we have to bring him into the parade ring late because he gets so excited and he'd kick someone.

“It was great, he gave him a great ride.”

This was Merisi Diamond's fourth career success.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the back straight involving Mercurial, ridden by D.S. O'Sullivan, placed second, Uncle Albert ridden by G.M. Ryan, unplaced, and Top Of The Pops (GB), ridden by W. Joyce, unplaced, where it appeared Uncle Albert clipped a heel. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. G.M. Ryan stated that W. Joyce was only half a length up on him when he started to come across. He further added he was roaring and shouting but his ground was taken. D.S. O'Sullivan stated that he kept a straight line. W. Joyce stated that he jumped to make the running and was tracking across to Goldrush Kid but was unaware of the horses on his inside at that point. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found W. Joyce was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his clean record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended him for two racedays.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson