Hooded Broko back with a bang

Brokopondo in a first time hood, upstaged some better fancied rivals to land the spoils in the Marshes Shopping Centre Dual Race & Ladies Day Tuesday 12th July Handicap at Dundalk.

Ronan Whelan rode the victorious 11/1 shot for Johnny Levins, and his rivals couldn't live with his finishing burst after being delivered through from off the pace. He beat Danequest and the well-backed favourite, Water Sprite by a length and three parts and a length and a quarter.

Strong second favourite Sea's Aria faded into eighth place.

Levins said: "I'm absolutely delighted. We gave him a nice little break after his campaign here. He looked very well. I thought he would need the run to be honest. He's obviously done it very well.

"I put the hood on as I thought he was fresh and gassy as home. Off his break I just thought he needed to settle. It helped they went a very fast pace out in front and Ronan gave him a beautiful ride. He crept his way in and he never spent a penny on him.

"He'll mix it between here and the turf. He's quite as effective on the turf. We'll have a good summer with him, he has improved that little bit again since his break.

"I'm delighted for the owner, Declan Kiernan, who is a good supporter of me and he's getting his just rewards. He's from Cavan."

The Stewards enquired into an incident approximately one furlong out involving Lunada ridden by R. Coakley, Sea's Aria, ridden by J.A. Heffernan, Untapped Spectrum ridden by N.G. McCullagh, and Jessamine ridden by D.M. Grant, where it appeared Sea's Aria suffered interference and Jessamine was forced to check off heels. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards advised R. Coakley and N.G. McCullagh to ride with more care in future.

(MG & EM)