Rochestown clears the last under Darragh O'Keeffe© Photo Healy Racing
After claiming the feature on Jungle Boogie Darragh O'Keeffe rounded off a memorable New Year's Day by doubling-up aboard Rochestown in the concluding Tom Carroll Memorial Handicap Chase.
Second on his most recent visit to the seaside venue, the Brendan Walsh-trained nine-year-old was well-fancied to go a place better this afternoon and was returned the 5/2 favourite.
Racing mainly in third, the Mustameet bay made a few slight mistakes and was poised to challenge in second on the run to two out.
Soon sent to the front, the market leader went clear before the last and came home 11-lengths to the good in the colours of owner David O'Meara.
The Garrett Power-trained Mahler Appeal (11/4) filled the runner-up spot under Danny Mullins, while the front-running Lilian Bland (15/2) was another three-and-a-half lengths back in third.
"The last day was his first run back and the horse that beat him (Kings Halo), was beaten by just a head yesterday at Punchestown, so we were hoping for a good run today," Walsh commented.
"He was entitled to win today and Darragh gave him a great ride. He just waited and waited and popped away. We'll wait a few weeks now before we go again with him. It was a handy race today and hopefully we can find something similar again.
"He doesn't mind that ground but I'd said he'd like it a bit nicer too. He'd tipped away on either.
"He won a hurdle race in February of last year but he'll probably stay chasing for the moment. We will get over today and see.
"I didn't run that many down in Limerick and I could have ran this lad but it's tough ground there so I stayed away.
"His owner is David O'Meara is from Limerick and we'll let him enjoy today before making a plan."
