Roman Palace and Declan McDonogh. © Photo Healy Racing
The Luke Comer trained Roman Palace was always to the fore under Declan McDonogh before keeping on resolutely to win the Anglo Printers Providing Sustainable Printed Products Handicap at Limerick.
Smartly into stride, the five-year-old took over at the head of affairs after less than a furlong, with McDonogh dictating the fractions on the front end. Expecto gave chase for much of this mile contest but came under pressure over a furlong from the finish. Seasonal debutant Brewel Hill travelled strongly into contention, looking a serious threat at the furlong pole.
However, with the lack of a previous outing possibly catching the latter gelding late on, Roman Palace kept galloping all the way to the line to run out a gallant half-length winner.
Assistant Trainer Jim Gorman said: "She is very genuine and she got her ground, which was very important. She needs to get good to firm ground - we haven't had it this year yet and we'll probably lose it over the weekend!
"Ground is the key and she ran well in Leopardstown the last day. She had a good draw and had a lot going for her today."
The assistant trainer had just concluded a phone call with Comer and added "Luke sees everything and is a huge, huge part in the whole operation.
"He is on all day, looks at every video and whenever he is home from Monaco, he spends all his time doing the horses. He also bred this mare and he loves it."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
