Zig Zag Zyggy is pushed out by Ronan Whelan© Photo Healy Racing
Zig Zag Zyggy provided Robbie Osborne with his first success in Ireland since 2007, as he took the opener at Dundalk, the Dundalk Floodlit Friday Nights Handicap.
Successful for Osborne at Hamilton in July, the son of The Carbon Unit was making his debut in Ireland this evening, and was sent off a 14/1 chance in the colours of Thistle Bloodstock Limited.
Settled behind the leaders by Ronan Whelan, the bay victor was pushed along to challenge on the outer from the two furlong pole.
He was ridden over a furlong from home, and soon edged to the front, keeping on well in the closing stages to score by a length. Gottardo (6/1) kept on well to take second under Chris Hayes for Fozzy Stack, while Geological was a nose back in third at 9/1. Royal Navy Warship was sent off a well-backed 15/8 favourite (from 5/2), and he finished fifth under Donnacha O'Brien for his father Aidan.
"That's my first winner in Ireland since I took up the reins again," said Osborne.
"We've had a bit of luck across the pond but it's nice to get a winner at home.
"This horse won in Hamilton and has maybe been unlucky a couple of times. He's a gutsy little fella and tries every time so it's great to see him sticking his head in front again.
"He's back in at Hamilton on Monday and if he pulls out okay we'll probably have a go again.
"I stopped training in 2009 and had a nice quiet life for a few years but I'm back at this now.
"I wouldn't have had too many runners here back then and I'm just delighted to be in the number one spot."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
