Drombeg Duke and Gavin Ryan © Photo Healy Racing
The Lougher Stables Handicap saw Drombeg Duke (5/1) register his third win in five starts in the hands of regular rider Gavin Ryan.
Successful in the autumn at Listowel and Dundalk, the six-year-old had obviously progressed from his comeback fourth at Gowran and tracked the leaders on the inner before angling out for a run early in the straight. In front two furlongs out, he was untroubled from that point and scored by two and a quarter lengths from Miss Florentine with Zerinda a further short head back in third.
Winning trainer Eoin McCarthy said: "You'd be very happy the way he jumped smartly and was in pole position all the way, he was able to control the race and got first run off the hill.
"I wouldn't have as many Flat horses as I have jumpers and I always think he is an extended easy 7f or even a tough 6f (horse). Just for options there is not a whole lot coming up.
"I remember riding jumpers here and it was an easy track - you whizz down the back, you get a breather up the hill and whizz down into the dip again.
"I'm delighted for the owners, they owned the mother and they bred him.
"Listowel and Roscommon might come up with a dig in it. We'll keep him going for a little bit but will freshen him for the backend of the season."
Quotes from Michael Graham
