Ampeson makes winning return to sprinting

Ampeson dropped back in trip to run out a game winner of the SP Or Better Guaranteed With Tote At Fairyhouse Handicap.

Formerly trained by Pat Murphy, for whom he won twice at Dundalk over the winter, the five-year-old joined current connections in March.

A consistent sort since moving to Patrick McKenna, he relished this return to 6f, galloping his rivals into the ground.

“He ran very well the last time he was here to finish fifth in a better race,” said McKenna.

“We thought he wanted seven or a mile judging on his previous form but our system seems to bring them back in trip, the way we work them at home.

“On Wayne's advice we dropped him back and to be fair he ground it out well there today. He wasn't a lucky winner, he just won well.

“Hopefully we can get another day with him. This is only a part time job and we are in it for the fun. This is a bonus considering what you are competing against in the racing game.

“It was a nice pot. Wayne came up for one ride today so he must have been confident enough about getting something.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson