Emphatic and Ross Coakley © Photo Healy Racing
20/1 shot Emphatic broke his duck at the 25th attempt when running out a game winner of the second division of the seven-furlong handicap at Dundalk.
The John Larkin-trained gelding was soon prominent from his high draw and was asked for an effort passing the two pole.
He responded well for Ross Coakley to challenge inside the final furlong and get on top in the closing stages for a half length victory over front-runner Iseebreeze
“I'm delighted to get that win for John, and Breen White, as they've been supporters of mine since I was a 7lb claimer. It's great to repay their loyalty,” said Coakley.
“This lad has done it well. It's hard from stall 14 over seven furlongs but he's such a genuine little horse.
“He's got great gate speed and he's very amenable, when you use him up to get there he'll drop it again which is very important.
“Sometimes when you light them up from an outside draw they tend to over-race and they never spit it out. When you give him the signal he drops the lot which is important.
“He stuck his head down and knuckled away to the line. He's a grand little horse.”
