Heliac's Roscommon win adds to Lyons' afternoon Ayr gains

After the win of the stable's Kinch over at Ayr earlier, there was another Ger Lyons victor this evening on home soil with Heliac taking the Roscommon Herald Handicap under Colin Keane.

Backed from 7/4 into 11/8 favourite Heliac led but was soon joined.

Headed after four furlongs, the Champs Elysees filly was ridden to challenge two furlongs out.

Gaining a narrow lead a furlong out, Heliac kept on well in the final furlong to beat the staying on Millswyn by a length and a quarter.

“She’s a brave filly but a green filly. Colin said she’s very progressive and will get further so that’s going to open up a lot more doors," said Lyons' brother Shane.

“We’re delighted and if she can progress and get another few furlongs that will help her to try and get some black type which is the main aim. She hops off that ground as well.”

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Sky Seven trained by M.Halford, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

M.Halford, trainer of Sky Seven, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge didn't handle the bends and found the ground in the straight a little too quick.

(AM & EM)