Best turned out & Top Man Michael

The Martin Cullinane colours were carried by a nice National Hunt prospect at Ballinrobe this week in the shape of Free To Dream but in a completely different sphere the Galway man's silks were on the mark at Wexford in the Blackstairs Claiming Race courtesy of the Noel Meade-trained Top Man Michael

A bit unfortunate at Roscommon last time, Top Man Michael, the odds-on favourite put the record straight here under Emmet McNamara. The Antonius Pius gelding was always on the gallop and he fended off all challengers from over a furlong out, holding on from Beloved Leader by three parts of a length. Mr Lando had to switch out to get a run and he ultimately ended up four and a quarter lengths back in third.

The victor had also secured the best turned out prize in advance of this extended mile and three furlong contest and McNamara remarked in the aftermath: "He didn't mind the ground, he seems to go on any ground."

No horses were claimed after the race. (DM & EM)