Road keeps going for O'Callaghan and Coakley

Admirable veteran Itsalonglongroad recorded his 11th career victory with a game front-running performance in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase at Ballinrobe.

The 10-year-old has proven a terrific servant for Charles Coakley and won for the fourth time since joining the Killarney handler a couple of years ago.

Shane O'Callaghan won the early battle for the lead and the 10/1 shot found plenty when tackled by Cahirdown Boy from the second last, recording a half-length success in the two-mile-one contest.

Coakley said:- “He likes it around here, the undulating track suits him, and I’m delighted for Pat (O’Leary, owner) as he puts a lot of money into it.

“If the weather stays dry we’ll probably get away with running him until the end of October. This is his time of the year.

“He loves Tramore as well and is entered there in another chase next week.

“We’ll see how he is in the morning and make a decision during the week.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)