Saunders lands Rockingham 13 years on

After finishing fifth in the race last year, Captain Carey went four places better as he landed the valuable Brady's Mercedes Benz sponsored, Rockingham Handicap for his trainer/owner Malcolm Saunders.

Despite not having won a race since June of last year, the son of Fraam was sent off the 5/1 joint favourite with Maarek who eventually finished fifth.

However he had been running consistently in England lately, not beaten far on his last number of efforts.

Always prominent under Fran Berry today, the 5yo was a close third after halfway. He disputed the lead with eventual third Your Gifted two furlongs out and under a strong drive from Berry he just got on top in the last 100 yards holding off the late challenge of Cheviot by a short head.

The runner-up under Niall McCullagh was sent off at 11/2, while Your Gifted was a further length and three parts back in third at 14/1.

Winning trainer Malcolm Saunders said afterwards: "Captain Carey is a really nice horse. Things haven't gone his way this season.

"He got a lovely ride from Fran (Berry). Fran won two Listed races for me in the past.

"I was worried about being drawn three, but they have moved the rail out here, offsetting the disadvantage of the draw. Fran was able to stay on the fresh ground.

"I haven't been to hard on this fellow and he could improve again for a cut in the ground.

"I won this race thirteen years ago with a horse called Reporty, he won by five lengths. It was very similar conditions to today, in that it rained on the Saturday as well.

"I have fourteen horses in training at the moment." Empirico who was backed from his morning price of 33/1 into 16/1 at the off, ran well to take fourth for David Marnane.

Donal Murphy