Social Distance an aptly-named winner

Social Distance one of the most commonly-used phrases of the last year, took the honours in the Castlerea Handicap at Roscommon.

Jessica Harrington 's New Bay filly came off the bridle in second behind Sea Appeal as the leader tackled the final three furlongs of this mile and a half race.

She responded to pressure, though, and came through to head Abstract in the final 150 yards. Abstract had worked his way to the front over a furlong out.

Social Distance (9/1) kept going to hit the line a length and quarter in front of staying-on Bell Ex One (9/2). Battle Angel (13/2) was half a length further back in third.

Abstract was gambled on this morning but dropped out of the places in the closing stages.

Jockey Shane Foley said: “She’d a nice run in Cork where the ground was a bit quick. The extra two furlongs and the bit of ease in the ground helped her.

“She is what she is but she tries which is a help.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee