The grey Sirjack Thomas is ridden out by Adam Caffrey to beat Kinda Tiny (nearest) and Selective Power© Photo Healy Racing
Sirjack Thomas showed his younger rivals how it's done, as he landed the Galway Handicap in the colours of the Dooley Thoroughbreds.
Registering a career ninth success and a third at the venue, the Adrian McGuinness-trained grey was sent off an 8/1 chance.
Successful at Dundalk in July and placed twice since, the admirable nine-year-old was settled behind the leaders by Adam Caffrey, improving into second when pushed along approaching the straight.
Soon ridden to challenge, he edged to the front inside the final 150 yards and battled on gamely from there to fend off the effort of Kinda Tiny by a neck.
The runner-up, who won at Gowran last week, was returned at 10/1 under Amy Jo Hayes, while Selective Power (6/1) and Lord Raven (15/2) were third and fourth respectively.
Returned the well-backed 11/2 favourite (from 10s), Asisaid finished a never nearer sixth on what was his debut for Denis Hogan.
"The wide draw was my biggest worry coming here but he pinged the lids and got into a lovely position, travelled into the race really well and I knew he stayed further. He stayed at it really well and was probably only ever doing enough when he landed in front," Caffrey reflected.
"His past course form here had been very good."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Royal Pippen trained by Paul W. Flynn, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have lost a right fore shoe and to be lame post race.
L.T. McAteer, rider of Bang Po trained by Liam McAteer, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left from two furlongs out.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
