Tom Dooley forges clear in Laytown

Tom Dooley gave Richard O'Brien and Billy Lee a winner at Laytown when powering clear in the claimer.

The six-year-old son of Dylan Thomas chased the leader Arlecchino's Rock and closed on him approaching the final furlong.

The 3/1 favourite's progress continued as he hit the front inside the furlong pole before he drew three and three quarter lengths clear at the line.

Arlecchino's Rock kept on for second at 20/1. Mzuri (10/3) completed the placings in third, a further length and three parts away.

Billy Lee said: "He did it well. He settled well but he was keen enough going down. He was loving the beach I'd say.

“He jumped out well and settled away well. The longer I left it before going for him the better and he stayed on well to the line.

“He's won four this year and fair play to Richard for doing that as it's not easy when you are getting those horses coming from other yards. You might only get one day out of them so to get four is a fair achievement.

“He's done really well with these horses. He's freshened them up well and they are taking their racing well. He's not afraid to run them.

“This is a nice change of scenery for the day, even thought it's just once a year, it's great.”

Arlecchino's Rock and Our Max were claimed by SF Gallagher to be trained by Ado McGuinness. Tidal's Baby was claimed by trainer Adrian Joyce while handler Fran Costello claimed the winner Tom Dooley.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson