Inishmot Prince and James Ryan. © Photo Healy Racing
Prolific Dundalk winner Inishmot Prince gained a first win on the turf when staying on strongly under regular pilot James Ryan to win the Kilberry Handicap at Navan.
A nine-time winner on the polytrack, the Tom McCourt trained gelding had failed to get his head in front on the grass from 17 previous attempts.
However, having shown promise when fourth over course and distance earlier this season, the well backed(from 16/1) 9/1 shot prevailed in a tight finish.
Looking booked for third at best as the leaders surged for the line, Ryan somehow managed to conjure up a late burst from the six-year-old to win by a head.
Tom McCourt said: "I would have been disappointed if he got beaten the form he was in at home. Since Bellewstown, he really came on very well.
"He is 21lb lower on grass than he is on all-weather, but he needed every yard of it.
"You don't want muddling pace, he has to have something fast and something to aim at.
"James said he had a job pulling him up, he only got going at the end.
"I was going to put him in at Fairyhouse on Monday, but I just don't think Fairyhouse suits him. It is six furlongs on a bend and is just too muddling for him, he needs room.
"Six up the Curragh in one of those handicaps if the ground stays dry and then back to Dundalk."
Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
