Rock rolls back the years in Curragh finale

Texas Rock recorded his first success since 2017, as he claimed the Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital Handicap.

The ten-year-old gelding didn't run in 2020 and failed to make a significant impact on his previous six starts this season.

Sent off at 20/1 today, the son of Rock Of Gibraltar was settled behind the leaders by Billy Lee and was third from halfway.

Ridden into a narrow lead from the furlong pole, the Michael Grassick trained victor battled on gamely inside the final furlong, holding off the effort of Dragons Call by a head.

The runner-up was returned at 6/1 under Chris Hayes for Johnny Feane, while Mikey The Steel (16/1) was another two-and-a-quarter lengths back in third.

The 9/2 favourite was Miss Molly T and she finished a disappointing seventh.

Grassick, who was recording his third winner of the week, said: "I know he was last in Limerick but he was only beaten four and a half lengths. He also ran well behind Verhoyen on his previous run. His form figures don't look good but he's not being beaten far.

"He loves this place, was dropping down in grade and the handicapper has given him a chance.

"He was rated 103 and we retired him last year after he had a year off. We brought him back in and used him as a lead for the yearlings over the winter and his joints were really good and he stayed sound. He loves it.

"It's great for Joe (Keeling, owner). He's been very good to me and it's nice to reward him.

"I'd love to have another crack at the Bold Lad on Champions Weekend if he got into it. He's probably not high enough but he could run again here on the 27th. If he won again he could get in."

STEWARDS REPORTS

W.J. Lee, rider of Texas Rock trained by M.C. Grassick, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung slightly right inside the final furlong.

A.J. Slattery, rider of Linda Barrett trained by J.A.Stack, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was unruly in the stalls and missed the break.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee