Return to form for Room To Roam

Clonmel's only flat meeting was bookended by 18/1 winners today, with 48-rated Room To Roam causing a boilover in winning the concluding John Thomas McNamara Series (QR) Handicap.

Sunday's winner Imperial Choice was the strong 4/7 favourite for the race and while the Charles Byrnes' mare raced prominently, weakened tamely in the final half-mile to finish second-last.

In contrast, Room To Roam maintained his front-running position throughout and while his previous win was in July 2019 and arrived with flat form of '700-0070', stayed resolutely for a length and a half win over runner-up Buttons And Bows

Trainer John McConnell wasn't present and winning jockey Ben Harvey said “that was a bit of a surprise. We know he has the ability, it’s just getting him on a going day really.

“Emily who rides him every day at home has done a great job on him, he was in good form and two miles on the Flat suited as he is a real stayer. I couldn’t believe how well he travelled out in front. I said I’d just keep it simple and let him roll. He did it well in the end.”

Today's card began with Silent Prayer s 18/1 success for trainer Dermot Weld and jockey Chris Hayes.

Quotes from Alan Magee