Tough performance from Theyturnedmedown

16/1 outsider Theyturnedmedown put in a tough display, making all to take the Ladies Day at Roscommon on July 9th Handicap, for trainer Jimmy Coogan with Leigh Roche in the saddle.

The 4yo son of Captain Rio started off his career as a 2yo and had five runs at that age, his first three in maiden company and his last two in handicaps at Dundalk.

He had just one run as a 3yo in a handicap at Gowran in May of last year and he then made his reappearance as a 4yo in another handicap again at Gowran in May of this year where he finished eleventh of fifteen behind Moscow Treat.

Having led from the start today, the winner and the well supported 7/4 favourite (11/4 this morning) Mountain Mama had it between them with two furlongs left to race.

Mountain Mama for trainer Denis Hogan and jockey Conor Hoban strongly pressed the winner inside the final furlong but she couldn't peg him back as he pulled out more and went on to win by two lengths at the line.

Mountain Mama had to settle for second while Eja Eja was a further four and three parts of a length back in third for Noel Lawlor and Sam James at 16/1

Winning trainer Jimmy Coogan was represented by his brother Benjy afterwards and he said: "He wore blinkers once as a 2yo and we put them on him again recently. The plan was to drop him in but he jumped off in front and kept on galloping and stayed there."

The winner was purchased for just €2,500 at the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale back in 2009.

Donal Murphy & Thomas Weekes