Face Value beats Taglietelle© Photo Healy Racing
Ross Coakley gave Face Value a fine front-running ride to claim the Quirke uPVC Tipperary Perpetual Cup Handicap at Clonmel this evening.
The 5lb claimer bounced out in front on Ado McGuinness' charge and opened up a big lead going out on the final circuit of the two-mile contest.
The field closed on the 10/1 shot before the turn but Coakley had a willing ally underneath and he found plenty for pressure in the straight. Taglietelle had been sent off a well-supported 6/4 favourite to give pony racing champion Jack Kennedy a winning start to his professional career.
He looked a threat as he stayed on inside the final furlong but could only get within a length-and-a-quarter of the winner in the end.
"He has only one gear and you couldn't go fast enough on him. We didn't make enough use of him the last day but you have to stretch the field with him and he needs to go flat out," revealed McGuinness about the winner.
"He'll have a break now and will go to Galway, where he has won in the past. I'm delighted for (owner) Sean (Gallagher) who is a great patron of mine."
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
