Eastern Legend received a fine ride from Rory Cleary to win the October Handicap. © Photo Healy Racing
Classic winning jockey Rory Cleary enjoyed another big day when landing one of the last big prizes of the turf season, the Dublin To Bahrain October Handicap, at Leopardstown.
Twice a winner earlier in the season, the Jim Bolger trained three-year-old got in here off 8-8, receiving weight off the majority of his elder rivals.
Ever the consummate professional, Cleary kept things simple, tracking the early pace in second before producing a race winning move early in the straight.
Taking the initiative, the Athlone man kicked his mount for home, taking lengths out of the field. With only the pace setting Vischio able to offer any form of challenge, Eastern Legend stayed on powerfully to land a popular two-and-a-quarter-length success at 7/1
“Jumping will be his game. He's in the sales and we'll see how he is tomorrow, if he doesn't look too light he'll go to the sales,” said Bolger.
“That was his best performance. He goes on any ground and he has Triumph Hurdle written all over him!”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
