Duke has Focussed humming

On a card that had the look of one that could be kind to the Bolger family, Mrs Jackie Bolger's colours where carried to success in race number two, the Fundraising Events at Tipperary Handicap courtesy of the Brendan Duke-trained Focussed

Half an hour on from Jim Bolger's victory with Sun On The Run in the opener, Kevin Manning was again in the plate on Focussed but he had to work a little harder on this Intense Focus gelding.

The only previous winner in the line-up, Focussed was under pressure from before the straight but he went into overdrive to head The Panhandler from a furlong and a half out.

From there the now three time victor, left his aforementioned opponent in his wake, to the tune of five and a half lengths at the line.

Duke quipped: "Kevin was telling me that gym fees have gone up in Kildare recently so he can have the day off tomorrow."

The Curragh handler then added: "He's a horse I like a lot. He's very genuine and he's improved for being gelded.

"I think there are more days in him as I think he'll be better on better ground.

"It probably looked like he'd want further there but I don't think he does."

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Coldstream (GB), trained by P.D. Deegan, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(TW & EM)