In form Leahy's Drombeg Duke calls the tune

Drombeg Duke came home strongest to land Gowran Park's seven furlong handicap under Conor Hoban.

The four-year-old gelding, in first-time cheekpieces, began to pick up in the final quarter of a mile and stormed into the lead over a furlong out.

The 9/1 shot was soon ridden to go and win his race and he duly kept up the gallop to put two and a half lengths on Kudbegood (11/2). Sir Dotti was a morning-price gamble but drifted out to an SP of 18/1 before finishing third, beaten four lengths by the winner.

“He handled the ground well. They went good and fast and he travelled into it well,” said Hoban.

“Going back to his earlier form he deserved that. He won in Dundalk so the conditions were an unknown but he handled it well and Austin's horses are running well.”

Drombeg Duke continued trainer Augustine Leahy's good form as this was a fourth victory from his last 12 runners.

The Stewards requested a report from Augustine Leahy, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Drombeg Duke, placed first, as compared with its most recent run. Daniel Wisniewski, authorised representative for the trainer, stated that the slower ground today coupled with the application of first time cheek pieces had helped to bring about the improvement in form when compared to its most recent run. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation given.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson