Carrigeen Kariega clears the last on her way to an easy victory under John Lalor for his father Dick© Photo Healy Racing
John Lalor recorded his first racecourse success as he partnered Carrigeen Kariega to victory in the Thurles Racecourse Handicap Chase for his father Dick.
The nine-year-old daughter of Luso won a point-to-point at Lisronagh in December of 2011, and while she did finished second three times on the track since, she was well-beaten on her last four starts.
Her last effort came over the course and distance in December, where she finished forty-one lengths eighth to Sterling Stuff and she was subsequently sent off a 25/1 chance this afternoon.
Having chased the leaders throughout, the bay victor improved to dispute the lead at the sixth last, and she went on approaching four out.
She went clear after the third last and kept up the gallop in the home straight, coming home an easy twelve length winner. Blissful Moment kept on to take second at 14/1 under Paul Carberry for Noel Meade, while Gibbstown was half a length back in third under Conor Maxwell for Paul Stafford at 20/1. Torremuelle completed the placings a further length and a half back in fourth under Shane Crimin for David Finn at 12/1, while the well-backed favourite (7/1 to 9/2 on-course) Givemeabuzz disappointingly pulled up under Paul Townend for Gerry O’Neill.
Dick Lalor said afterwards: "That is the young lad’s first winner and he is twenty-one. He had a big smile on his face passing the post and I am delighted to give him his first track winner. He won a point-to-point on her as well.
"She has two ways of running, but everything went right today. She likes the softer ground and she will be kept on the go in staying chases now."
After the race Sean Flanagan (rider of Robertstown Rover received a one day suspension from the Stewards for weighing in a pound overweight.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
