Bay proves tough as Granite to land finale under Whelan

The Jarlath Fahey trained Granite Bay won for the third time this season when staying on strongly under Ronan Whelan to land the concluding Jet, Peggy & Eamonn O'Carroll Memorial Handicap at Listowel.

Twice successful in May, the three-year-old was then given a mid summer break before reappearing with a creditable fourth at Roscommon earlier this month.

Sent off 9/2 this afternoon, the Time Test gelding was never too far off the pace, as Highland Bling Rosso and Dark Oak vied for the lead.

Gary Carroll struck for home on the latter entering the straight as Whelan moved closer in fourth on the eventual winner. Going second over a furlong out, Granite Bay kept on well to lead close home for a half-length success.

Jarlath Fahey said: "it was a great win as it was a competitive race. Ronan said he was struggling on the ground but said he once he came alive coming down the back, he was reasonably confident he would run a big one.

"We knew all along that he was a staying horse in the making although I didn't think it would happen in his three-year-old career. He is progressing with every run having been very babyish earlier in the year and we'll look for another race before the season ends as he has proven he goes on easy ground.

"He has been schooled over hurdles at Roger Loughran's and is well able to jump, if that's the route the lads want to go."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.