Derry powers home under Crosse for Coleman

Derry Lad (7/1) came from well off the pace to land the Kilcawley Construction Handicap.

Successful at Gowran last October, the Kevin Coleman trained victor was third on his return to action last month, before finishing eighth on his most recent start.

Slow into stride and settled towards rear by Nathan Crosse, the son of Epaulette made progress from the two furlong pole. Ridden in the straight he swept past his rivals down the outer, getting up in the final strides to prevail by half-a-length in the colours of the Dreamers Alliance Syndicate. Talbot who was returned the 4/1 favourite, was the one just denied, while Red Ball Of Fire (11/1), who also came from the rear, was another two-and-half lengths back in third.

"He needs that trip and he needs a good gallop," said Coleman.

"We thought we were a good thing coming up with all the rain, and then five minutes outside Sligo it was as dry as a bone!

"Soft ground is the key to him and he just about got away with it today. It was too quick for him the last day in Gowran and he never got into the race.

"He's very tough and he will stay further. I'd say two miles might be his trip in the end.

"We have him schooled and the plan was to go three-year-old hurdling with him, but when he's still competitive on the Flat we'll stay that way with him. It's a bit easier and I'll try and hold off getting the jumps licence for another bit!"

STEWARDS REPORTS

D.W. O'Connor, rider of Malayan trained by D. K. Weld, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount suffered a little bit of interference in the straight.

N.M. Crosse, rider of Derry Lad trained by Kevin Thomas Coleman, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right in the straight.

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan