Convincing, the horse who caused Kieren Fallon a last-minute injury scare for his ride on George Washington in the 2000 Guineas, arrived late to claim the Adare Handicap at a desolate Limerick today.
Fallon had injured his foot leaving the stalls when riding the son of Selkirk at Tipperary nine days ago, but the colt made no mistakes under jockey Seamus Heffernan today.
Convincing (unconsidered at 20/1) tracked the leaders and looked held in third a furlong out but responded well to Heffernan's urgings to stay on strongly to deny Barney's Dream by a short head, on the line.
Winning trainer John Murphy, fresh from a highly successful last few months, later reported 'it's unfortunate what happened at Tipperary but thankfully everything worked out well in the end.'
He added 'we'll aim him for another handicap again next.'
Heffernan later completed a double, partnering Tashadelek to win the Regional Handicap for trainer David Marnane.
Former amateur rider Marnane, who has made a big impression since taking out his trainer's license last year, later commented 'the seven furlongs was possibly a bit sharp for her but Seamus gave her a great ride.'
The feature event, the E30,000 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race, was won in very impressive fashion by John Oxx's Adajal, under Mick Kinane.
The son of Zilzal was held up last of the six runners before making smooth progress in the straight, eventually running out the two and a half length not extended winner.
Oxx was absent but his assistant Slim O'Neill reported 'he wasn't suited by the heavy ground when he won at Tipperary recently and wants fast ground.'
He added 'we've no plans for him at the moment but he'll probably stick to races over a mile.'
Trainer and Liverpool FC supporter Charles O' Brien sacrificed an FA Cup Final ticket to watch his horses record a double, opening with Alethia in the Hospital Maiden.
Both winners were ridden by jockey Fran Berry, with Alethia carrying all red colours, sold to the Class Act Syndicate at a charity function at the same track two years ago, making virtually all for a length win over Dapple Grey.
Afterwards O'Brien reported 'I thought Alethia had a big chance and I'm delighted she won after missing out on the Cup Final!'
He added 'her form was solid and she likes quick ground. She is by Danehill and will try for black-type at some stage but will go for a fillies handicap next.'
Two hours later, O'Brien's Australia Day landed the Thomond Park Maiden, again under Fran Berry.
Afterwards, O'Brien mentioned 'I always liked him and he is a nice, progressive type who loves very fast ground. He could be a bit out of the ordinary.'
Seamus Fahey's Marikhar was the well supported (6/1 - 4/1) winner of the Munster Maiden, under Padraig Beggy.
