Rockview Emperor & Gary Carroll see off the challenge of Have A Nice Day© Photo Healy Racing
Rockview Emperor got off the mark on his second start in handicap company as he took the Book On-line at naasracecourse.com Handicap under Gary Carroll for John McConnell.
The three-year-old gelded son of Holy Roman Emperor ran well on his third start at Tipperary last month, finishing second to Dorothy Parker.
He disappointed on his next outing on his handicap debut at Down Royal and he was sent off a 14/1 chance this afternoon.
Settled in mid-division he made good headway into second two furlongs from home and he was ridden to a lead a furlong out.
He kept on well inside the final furlong to come home a two length victor from Have A Nice Day in second at 20/1 under Rory Cleary for Sabrina Harty. Reckless Lad was a further three parts of a length back in third under Andrew Thornton for Pat Martin while Elusive Heir completed the placings a neck back in fourth under Ian Brennan for Adrian McGuinness at 16/1. Hail Shower and Our Manekineko were sent off the 4/1 joint-favourites and they finished ninth and tenth respectively.
John McConnell, who had a winner over hurdles at Bangor on Friday, said afterwards: "That wasn’t unexpected. He has run well a few times on straight tracks.
"He was practically un-rideable at Down Royal the last day going right-handed. We thought he was very good as a two-year-old but then he got injured.
"Maybe we will go to Bellewstown with him now for a mile handicap, it is our local course."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
