Halford pays tribute to owner Rooney after Gougane's win

Michael Halford moved on to the 9 winner mark for the Winter All Weather series, 2 behind Joseph O'Brien, when his charge Gougane Barra (13/2 into 5s) landed the first split of the BK Forklifts Handicap under Shane Foley at Dundalk.

The patiently ridden Nisior Donn (slowly into stride) eventually had to settle for second down the inner, three parts of a length off the Paul Rooney-owned Gougane Barra (drifted left after leading from a furlong out), whilst Edification was a head back in third.

Backed in from 66s earlier, to a returned 25s, Edification didn't get the clearest of passages, and the best backed horse in the race, Alwarda was two and a quarter lengths off the principals in fourth.

Tim Doyle 's hope was supported from 11/2 into 7/2 favourite.

“Paul is amazingly patient — it's a pity we can't bottle it!” said Halford.

“He's a lovely big horse and we've just had to be very patient with him. Shane said he's still like a big baby.

“He loves the surface and was in a bracket that we'd thought he'd win. The last day he ran a bit fresh over seven furlongs but has come on nicely at home since.

“We'll tip away with him here, it seems to be what he likes, and a mile is a good trip for him.

“Thankfully Paul owned him as not too many would have had that patience with him. He's just a big raw horse. We'll have a bit of fun with him.”

Anthony McCann, trainer of Tell Me reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge burst blood vessels.

S. Foley, rider of Gougane Barra (USA) trained by M.Halford, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ducked left final furlong.

(GC & EM)