Patrickswell makes it ten

After Granny On Fire s success earlier, there was another heart-warming victor at Bellewstown as old-favourite Patrickswell toughed it out brilliantly in the Q102 Raceday Sports Club Challenge Handicap under Leigh Roche.

Roche has now won on Patrickswell seven times and the nine-year-old grey's career total now stands at ten.

Without his usual cheek-pieces here, Patrickswell gave his trainer Marcus Callaghan a second win in this sprint, following on from Paris Sue's victory back in 2004.

Roche soon had Patrickswell making the pace this evening, he looked like he'd be claimed by some of his rivals inside the final two furlongs but to the winner's great credit he fended them all off to triumph by half a length from Catwilldo

Local handler Callaghan explained: "They went a bit quick in Tipperary (down the field last time). When his chance had gone Ian (Brennan) looked after him.

"The ground was a bit hard there so I have to thank him for looking after him.

"That's seven Leigh has won on him and he gave him a hell of a ride.

"I have to thank the stall handlers. They play an important part as they're very patient with him.

"Leigh said he wouldn't miss a beat on him as he can take the mick a bit.

"That's mission accomplished. If he doesn't win again I don't care.

"He's entered next Wednesday (at Naas) but he won't run there as there's no point being greedy." (GC & EM)