Back Down Under holds on to win Curragh thriller

The Padraig Roche trained Back Down Under prevailed in a thrilling finish to land the Harp Bar Kildare Handicap at the Curragh.

The handicapper can justifiably be satisfied with his work here, as six horses flashed by the line separated by narrow margins.

Despite a tendency to miss the break, Back Down Under got away on terms this evening, racing a little keenly from her wide draw.

Chris Hayes managed to find cover during the early part of the contest, settling the filly towards rear of mid division.

Switched out to make her move over two furlongs out, the daughter of Australia got to leader Transcending Glory well inside the final furlong but then had to hold the late thrusts of both Serialise and Ice Cold In Alex

At the finish, she had a head to spare over the second with a further neck back to the third.

Padraig Roche said:“I'd like to thank Frank (Berry) and JP and Noreen (McManus) for giving her to us. We leased her out last year.

“She's been a bit unlucky and we had a bit of stalls work to do with her. Chris rode her yesterday morning and she jumped out well.

“We thought she'd run well if she jumped and she did, and the step up to seven really helped her I'd say.

“Chris gave her a great ride, she jumped well and relaxed well. He said at halfway he thought he was going to run well and she stuck it out well so we're delighted.

“We're going to enjoy today and there will be a lot of celebrations. This weekend means a lot to the town and the lads are all local. To have a winner here on Derby weekend is unbelievable.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson.