AIRGEAD and Leigh Roche (near side) beat Watermelon Bay.© Photo Healy Racing
Airgead (10/1) took the Bay City Rollers Handicap over 1m for Prunella Dobbs and Leigh Roche.
The Most Improved gelding challenged from over a furlong out, and just got the better of a good tussle with the favourite Waterlemon Bay (13/2) to defeat that one by a hard-fought neck. High Altitude (12/1) and the fast-finishing Munfallet (20/1) completed the placings in third and fourth.
It was a first victory for the winner, who had been second at Gowran Park in June.
The winning rider Leigh Roche said: “The last day we jumped and got caught down the rail, he just didn't really enjoy it throughout as he hadn't much room for himself,” .
“Today I had a bit more room around me and I could manoeuvre and switch out in the straight.
“He did it well and hit the line well. I'm delighted he got the win.
“I was second on him in Gowran first time out this year and he ran a great race. He disappointed in Bellewstown and it was a little disappointing the last day but he ran a good race considering what happened.
“I'm delighted for the owner, Prunella and the horse. He was good and game there today.
"Hopefully the handicapper won't be too hard on him and he can win another race.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
