Nero Emperor (black silks) is driven out by Wayne Lordan to beat English Deer (alongside) © Photo Healy Racing
After going close on his last few starts, Nero Emperor (10/1) got a deserved win to his name as he took the Mongey Communications Joe McGrath Handicap, under Wayne Lordan for Tommy Stack.
The four-year-old son of Holy Roman Emperor finished less than a length fourth to Corporal Maddox over the course and distance in August, before finishing second to My Good Brother in the 'Bold Lad' Sprint Handicap over five furlongs here earlier this month.
Sent off a 10/1 chance, the Pension Fund Syndicate owned gelding raced towards the rear in the early stages, and he had just two behind him at the halfway point.
He made progress towards the far rail two furlongs out, and he travelled well with a furlong left to race.
He stayed on strongly in the closing stages, hitting the front with just 150 yards out, scoring by a head at the line. English Deer (16/1), who was making his handicap debut, finished a gallant second under Chris Hayes for Paul Deegan, while Tylery Wonder was a length and three parts back in third under Billy Lee for Willie McCreery at 20/1. Invincible Ridge (16/1) completed the placings a short head back in fourth under Leigh Roche for Darren Bunyan, while the 5/1 favourite, Machete Mark could only manage a disappointing twelfth under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons.
Tommy Stack said afterwards: "He has been threatening to do that for a bit. He is quite a nice horse and it is great to see him a nice pot like that."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
