Springbank and Gary Halpin © Photo Healy Racing
The MansionBet McEnery Cup went to the first-time blinkered grey Springbank (8/1) giving Gary Halpin his 8th winner of the campaign.
Ridden close to the pace throughout, the Galileo gelding led 5f out and asserted early in the home straight.
From that point his pursuers could make no impression and he beat War Diary and Aesop by six lengths and half a length. Numen was sent off 3/1 favourite and finished seventh.
The winner had scored at Fairyhouse before finishing sixth to stablemate Red Kelly in the BoyleSports Ulster Derby at Down Royal.
It was a 134/1 double for winning trainer Johnny Murtagh (after Lord Rapscallion in the opener) and he said: "I told the owners that I’d be very disappointed if he wasn’t fighting out the finish today. I felt he’d come on from his run in Down Royal.
“Maybe they didn’t go quick enough for him in Down Royal as Gary said he was very behind the bridle and just didn’t get up into his stride. He’s a horse with a great stride, a good big galloper.
“He used it today and was up there. I put the blinkers on the other morning and he really came alive with them. I knew they would help him travel. He’s a very quiet, good natured horse.
“When he quickened clear today I knew they wouldn’t catch him. He’s a Galileo and one of the best bred horses we have in the yard.
“I think a mile and a half is a really good trip for him when he gets up into that high tempo. He should be another for Champions Weekend.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
