Esytopolishadiamond follows up

Esytopolishadiamond followed up on his recent course and distance success as he took division one of the Irish News The Last Line Handicap, under John Egan for trainer Michael Browne.

Sent off the 7/2 favourite (was 9/2 this morning with Paddy Powers), the 6yo son of Starcraft race in mid-division in the early stages before coming with his challenge on the outside over a furlong from home.

He hit the front a furlong out and he kept on well under pressure to just hold off the challenge of the Adrian McGuinness trained Gold Falcon (9/2) under Ian Brennan by a head. Punches Pious completed the placings, a length and a half back in third under Billy Lee for Tim Doyle at 20/1. Indian Arch was the gamble of the race for Thomond O’Mara and Wayne Lordan. He was 16/1 this morning with Paddy Powers but went off at just 5/1.

However he never looked like winning and finished a poor eleventh.

Winning trainer Michael Browne said afterwards: “He is improving the whole time and I get a great kick out of him winning. We will see what the handicapper does now but he will probably still sneak into one of these (47 to 65 rated handicap).”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee