Mark Nunan
Rodney Bay makes all under Roche
Rodney Bay holds on from Make Good (far side)
© Photo Healy Racing
Rodney Bay made all the running and clung on for victory in the Tote Guarantee Available Handicap.
Leigh Roche 's mount saw off several challengers down the straight but it looked like he might be caught in the dying strides as the well-fancied Make Good (5/1, from 20s overnight) finished strongly on the rail but the front-runner was a short head in front where it mattered.
Owned by Lisa Sheridan and Larry Murray, the dual-purpose six-year-old was a third winner of the season from just eight individual runners for Joseph Murray who trains near Navan.
"The lads who rode him told me he’s big and lazy but he stays very well," said Roche.
"I bounced out and got an easy lead and in fairness every time I’ve asked him he’s kept plugging away.
“He handles that ground and he stays well. He idled in the last half-furlong and I thought I was nabbed. He’s genuine, tough and hardy and I’m delighted.”
Quotes from Alan Magee