Steel strikes again in Blackcastle Handicap

Mickey The Steel got a lovely run up the rail in the closing stages to land the spoils in the Blackcastle Handicap at Navan.

Rory Mulligan tucked his mount in behind the leaders in the early stages of the five-furlong contest before launching his challenge down the inner inside the final furlong.

Joe Murray 's charge stuck his head in front inside the final 100 yards to collar front-runner Fair Taxes and record a three-parts-of-a-length win.

The 9/1 winner had claimed the same race two years ago.

Murray was leading up and his wife, Lisa, said: "The run at Bellewstown has really brought him on as we gave him a break over the summer as he doesn't like the hard ground.

"Bellewstown brought him on and he is back in good form.

"We just thought the rain might not have come for us, but enough came - it is yielding.

"This race was the plan after Bellewstown, he won this race two years ago.

"Rory gave him a great ride up the inside and he did it well.

"He might run the last day in the Curragh."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)