Verhoyen and Danny Sheehy © Photo Healy Racing
Adopting his customary front running tactics, the Michael Grassick trained Verhoyen made virtually all to win the Dino Day Handicap at Fairyhouse.
Now a nine-year-old, the Piccolo gelding was winning his eighth race, the first since June of last year.
Smartly away from stalls under Danny Sheehy, Verhoyen looked to be in trouble entering the straight, as his rider began to push away on the inner rail. Tawaazon loomed up alongside over a furlong out, possibly even nosing ahead for a stride. However, to his credit Verhoyen battled back to repel that rival, edging ahead again 200 yards out.
With a whole host of horses lining up to challenge in behind, it seemed certain that something would emerge from out of that group late on but Verhoyen wasn't for passing, knuckling down to grind out a well earned half-length victory.
