Road a boost for injured Coakley Dylan Browne McMonagle gave Itsalonglongroad a fine front-running ride to record a 25/1 shock in the Littleton Handicap at Thurles. The Charles Coakley-trained gelding was soon in front after the flag start to the mile-and-a-half race and kicked a couple of lengths clear of his rivals turning for home. Fair Damsel gave chase in the closing stages but never looked like pegging back Itsalonglongroad who stayed on strongly to record a two-and-a-quarter length success. The winner was last seen pulling up over fences at Listowel. He was recording an eighth career victory and his first for Coakley. Owner Patrick O'Leary, from Killarney, revealed afterwards:- "Charlie broke his pelvis during the week when a horse spun him and he fell to the ground. He is in hospital but hopefully will make a full recovery in six weeks." He added:- "We have travelled the country up and down with him and we knew he had the ability to do it but he needed to show it on the day. Dylan gave him a super ride. "In Listowel he over-reached, cut his leg and Shane (O'Callaghan) made a good decision to pull him up and wait for another day. "He is my only horse, my first winner and I have him six months. The first day he ran for me, he fell at the last at Tramore and has had unlucky days. He'll go to Killarney on Monday for a 1m3f handicap." (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
