Four Country Roads finally shed his maiden tag © Photo Healy Racing
Four Country Roads just held on to win for the first time in 31 starts under rules when landing the Castlerea Handicap Chase at Roscommon.
Formerly trained by Michael Hourigan, the gelding won a Ballingarry point-to-point for John Staunton last May but failed to build on that success when returning to the racecourse.
Having cut a rather frustrating figure up to today, the gods were certainly smiling on the son of Arcadio, as he just held the late challenge of Crobally Boy
It would have been hard on connections had Four Country Roads been denied, as he jumped and travelled well and looked a winner everywhere in the straight.
However, Jody McGarvey conjured up a late run from the Shark Hanlon trained runner-up which at first glance looked to have been enough.
Much to the joy of winning connections, the still on the line confirmed that Four Country Roads had held on by a head.
“It's been a dog's age and I genuinely thought he'd never win a race,” said McMahon.
“Down off 69, in Roscommon and named Four Country Roads, if ever there was a day it was today.
“Fair play to Sean O'Keeffe he's given him a lovely patient ride and got him into a lovely rhythm. He jumped like a buck. It's come true today anyway and we're delighted.
“He's a 30 race maiden, I gave up counting six months ago how many times he's ran and not won.
“His owner Tony O'Donnell is a great fella. His bill is due in the middle of the month and he's there at 10am by the 15th. Those type of lads are great and I'm delighted for him.
“He bought him off Sean Moran in Kelly's Bar around midnight one night. Sean was fed up with him, maybe around his 20th run, and he bought him for five grand.
“He runs every two weeks, what more do you want?
“He won a point-to-point for John Staunton and he's a good leaper, he's safe as houses. He causes no bother and you'd hardly know he was there. All things considered he's probably paid his way today.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
