Sweetest clings on for McCreery & Crosse

Sweetest Taboo clung on gamely to repeat last year's success in the Meath Farm Machinery Handicap at Bellewstown.

Willie McCreery 's charge had landed the five-furlong contest 12 months ago and came into the race in winning form having scored at Tipperary 12 days ago.

She was easy to back though, drifting from 9/2 in the morning and returning a 10/1 shot.

Nathan Crosse tracked leader Associate Rock before kicking for home over a furlong out. The long-time leader battled back in the closing stages but Sweetest Taboo held on by half a length.

 McCreery said: "That's Nathan's 7lb gone as well, so it great that he did it on one of our own.

"She's just there for the apprentices to ride. She's great for the kids to ride - a big, solid tank.

"She's a saint because she stood there for 10 minutes but jumped well and got over to the rail.

"We'll keep messing about with her!"

(Quotes by Michael Graham)