Ramiro returns to form to land second Listowel success

Former course and distance winner Ramiro returned to form when staying on late under James Ryan to land the Kelleher Feeds & Agri Suppliers Ballymullen, Tralee Handicap at Listowel.

A winner at this track for Ian O'Connor back in 2020, the eight-year-old won twice for Brian Ellison during a stint in Britain before being picked up by current connections.

Now in the care of Hilary McLoughlin, the gelding had hinted that his turn was near with a couple of encouraging efforts in recent starts.

Held up in mid division by Ryan, the 8/1 chance was produced to head Dragon Of Malta a furlong out, staying on strongly to win by three-quarters-of-a-length.

Martin Ferris, McLoughlin's partner said: "He was unlucky in Galway and while he had a few entries since, the ground wasn't there so we bided our time and the rain came today, so it is great.

"The (Castle Racing) syndicate are the same lads who started me off in pony racing and this is their first racehorse. Philip Enright (jockey), who sourced him, Daithi Keane and Aidan McCarthy are all from Dunmanway and are involved and bought Ramiro to have fun with.

"I started off riding for the boys in Dunmanway pony racing and didn't ride for anyone else. To win for them today is great."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.