Dermot Weld equalled his best ever tally of eleven (which he achieved last year) as his Teach Nua made it winner No four on the day, as he won the Arthur's Legacy Handicap to the delight of the crowd, coming home a length and three parts winner under Pat Smullen.
Smullen himself was recorded his ninth winner of the week, a personal best for him, with three more days racing still to come and his third of the day.
Sent off the 6/4 favourite (backed from 11/4 this morning), the son of Val Royal was only having his second start since coming back from over year off the track.
He tracked the leaders for much of the race before improving into second over two furlongs out. He kicked clear approaching the straight and battled on gamely to fend off the challenge of the runner-up Norah Starr (9/2) and the third placed Prince Of Fashion (9/1).
Winning trainer Dermot Weld said afterwards: "We have had a great week and a good day today.
"Every race is tough to win and that was as hard as any. He got a magnificent ride from Pat Smullen.
"I'm delighted for his owner (Joseph Keeling), who has had great patience with this horse. He had a leg problem and was off for a year and a half, but thanks to my team we brought him back and thanks to Pat Smullen for a great ride."
Winning rider Pat Smullen said afterwards: "We are having an amazing week, the horses are running exceptionally well.
"We are having the luck in races as well when gaps are needed, but when you are on horses that are going well you can take those gaps and its all working out very well.
"Horses tire here when they meet the hill and weaken very quickly and it's important to avoid those horses, but when your travelling very well you can do that."
Donal Murphy
