Two-in-a-row for Halpin on in-foal Knock

Kevin Prendergast's seven pound claimer, Gary Halpin made it two winning rides in a row when he followed up his victory on Blue Ridge Lane at Limerick last Friday night by guiding John Nicholson's Knockcroghery to success in the Pride Of Tipperary Gathering Handicap.

Owned and bred by Nicholson too, Knockcroghery has been a good servant, the daughter of Pelder making it four career wins here.

On the back of a commendable effort over flights at Down Royal last Friday evening, Knockcroghery was never far from the pace under Halpin, eventually hitting the front under a furlong out before going on to prevail by a length and three parts from the market-leader, Sword Of Honour

Nicholson disclosed: "I was confident enough. She had been sick but she'd run a right race up north the last day and she's in foal to Fame And Glory.

"She'll run now until Listowel in September. She'll mix it during the summer and she should win a mare's chase as well." (TW & EM)