Joe Eile is pushed out by Emmet McNamara from Kateeva back in second© Photo Healy Racing
Joe Eile made virtually all to take the Tipperary Crystal China International Handicap over six furlongs for his trainer Ger Lyons with Emmet McNamara in the saddle.
The 4yo son of Iffraaj has been a model of consistency this season but was recording just his second win of 2012 with his other success coming on the all-weather at Dundalk in March. Kateeva (6/1) did stay on well close home under Leigh Roche but she couldn't catch the winner who scored by three parts of a length at the line. Daring Man completed the placings a further four and three parts of a length back in third under Ross Coakley for Denis Cullen.
The winner was returned the 4/1 favourite having been backed from his opening show off 11/2 with Paddy Powers this morning and his opening show on track of 5/1.
Winng rider Emmet McNamara said afterwards: "It's nice to get a win for the owners. He is a tough, game horse. He is a bit older now so he handles that ground.
"That is twelve winners for me on the flat, it's been a magnificent season and thanks have to go to Ger Lyons."
Winning trainer Ger. Lyons added: "He is a model of consistency for the yard. Seven furlongs is his trip but he wouldn't get seven furlongs on that ground. I'd go to Dundalk for seven furlong.
"It's great for his owners the two Joe's (the HB Partnership). They are from Clane so it's good to get a local winner."
(On-course reporting by Michael Graham)
