Finnians Row and Patrick O'Brien © Photo Healy Racing
The Dermot McLoughlin trained Finnians Row made all under Paddy O'Brien to win the concluding Golf Memberships At Gowran Park Handicap Chase at the Kilkenny track.
Sent straight to the lead from flag fall, the eight-year-old put up a fine front-running performance to defy topweight in this handicap chase.
Pushed along entering the straight, the 4/1f looked there to be shot at, as a whole host of challengers queued up in behind. Bite That was the only one that actually managed to get close, drawing alongside the leaders girths after the last but having nothing to give close home, as Finnians Row went on to win by half-a-length.
Dermot McLoughlin said: "He seems to be happiest jumping and galloping so that was the plan to have a go again today. He jumped and travelled well and Paddy said he gave him a breather turning-in and away he went again. Paddy comes in riding out for me one day a week."
"He'll go on soft ground but not on the extremes. It is great for the ladies (owners Anne McCartan and Frances Smyth) who are from the north but missed the last day he won."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
