Dylan Browne McMonagle steers Snapraeterea home© Photo Healy Racing
Joseph O'Brien's Snapraeterea made virtually all to see off Elysium in the Foran Equine Irish EBF Auction Race in Roscommon.
He was sent into an early lead by 7lb-claimer Dylan Browne McMonagle in this extended seven furlong race.
The 6/5 favourite, Elysium, stalked him in second and closed on the run to the final quarter of a mile.
The favourite was ridden to try and head the leader a furlong and a half down, but couldn't get on terms.
Snapraeterea (5/4) found generously for McMonagle, and the pair increased the margin to two and a quarter lengths at the winning post.
Assistant trainer Brendan Powell said: “He deserved it. He won at Bellewstown first time up and next time at Killarney Declan (McDonogh) said if we had made more use of him, not saying he would have beaten the winner but he would have got closer, as he was staying really well at the line.
“You never know until you run them on this ground but he seems to thrive on it.
“He stays a mile, so he's made use of him, and the 7lb off has made a difference as well.
“He's tough and he gallops. He didn't pull him up until half way down the back.
“The family have improved with age. Joseph actually rode the dam (Snap Alam) for the owners.
“He's a grand horse. He's got a lovely attitude to him, very relaxed, and he'll stay further next year.”
Snapraeterea is now two from three having shed his maiden status at Bellewstown in July.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
