Joe foils Russian gamble

Russian Soul (5/1 this morning into 7/4) was all the rage for the Foley's Antiques Naas Handicap at Dundalk but Joe Eile came home like a lion to foil the gamble. The win was bringing up a double for trainer Ger Lyons as he also saddled the first winner, Lily's Angel

Joe Eile (equalled the previous course record of 1m 22.70 here) travelled well under Emmet McNamara but he had to angle out to deliver his challenge from over a furlong out. Once in full cry, the victorious Iffraaj gelding roared home to catch Russian Soul and triumph by a head.

Admirable veteran Duff had every chance but he kept going well enough for third, one and three parts of a length back.

Lyons explained: "That's the ground he wants. I know he has been performing at the Curragh on testing ground but that's just his class getting him through.

"I thought he'd win a premier handicap but he ran into one in the Joe McGrath (second to Bubbly Bellini).

"Seven furlongs is his trip but he won't get a yard over six furlongs on heavy ground.

"If the handicapper gives him plenty he could go to Dubai and if not he'll stay here."

Winning owners, the HB Partnership, comprises of Joe Bracken and Joe Horan, hence the name of the horse. Joe Bracken looked after Lyons when he started off riding with Peter McCreery senior. (AM & EM)