South South West (inner) & Stuccodor flash past the post together© Photo Healy Racing
South South West just prevailed in a terrific finish to the mile handicap at Galway.
Danny Grant produced his mount with a perfectly timed challenge only to find himself clinging on at the line.
Pat Flynn 's charge claimed Rock Band in the final 100 yards but was all out at the death as Stuccodor lunged late.
The 8/1 got the nod after a photo finish, securing a head victory over Dermot Weld's runner.
Flynn explained afterwards that a wide draw had counted against the gelding last time:-
"Thanks be to god for that!
"In Wexford he was drawn out wide and got pushed out the whole way. On the fast ground he just couldn't get in.
"He's messy with his old head and was ridden by one of the best jockeys in Ireland. He was just pulling up a bit in front.
"He's owned by a big syndicate from Limerick and there is a fair few of them here today." California Rose was sent off 2/1 favourite to land a hat-trick but couldn't pick up in the straight and had to settled for third.
