Roche finds route to success on Highway

The Michael O'Callaghan trained Darkdeserthighway recorded a third course and distance win when getting up close home under Leigh Roche to land the Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap.

Held up in mid-division off the early leaders Man Is King and Pride of Hawridge, Roche crept closer into fourth early in the straight.

With Pride Of Hawridge dropping back, Wesley Joyce went clear on Man Is King, switching to the stands rail in what appeared a race winning move.

However, thriving off the fast early pace, Darkdeserthighway came through under Roche to get on top close home to beat the staying on Miss Abby Jools a neck.

Michael O'Callaghan said: "Leigh said she jumped well and he was able to get a little bit closer than normal.

"It is one thing to ride her that way, but she needs a little bit of space in on the rail and he got a bit of space.

"Things panned out for him and she has won well in the end.

"This is her grade. She has been running in those 75/80 races during the summer and she is just not able to compete at that level.

"Delighted to get her head in front and delighted the other horse ran well. The other horse will probably compete away here for the winter and she probably will as well. We'll see what the handicapper does.

"The two of these will only win in their grade and that is in 65s. This race is a 0-70, but it didn't look a true 0-70. I know it is only a 5lb opening, but it is a different kettle of fish when you get into that level. The 65 horses just don't have the class to maintain that pace and keep going.

"Both of mine are probably better than 65 horses, but they have their own few quirks and they just need to be in that 65 grade to get their head in front."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham.