Johann on the improve

County Offaly-based trainer Pat Harney has Johann Bach operating at the peak of his powers now at the age of six, and he supplemented a Gowran victory from August 12th, with a convincing win in the Galway Bay Golf Resort Handicap.

Gary Halpin did the steering on the Oratorio gelding and he had the 9/1 chance prominent from the start, taking over from Botanical Lady into the straight.

From there Johann Bach was soon gone beyond recall and he crossed the line with three and a quarter lengths in hand over So Sensible

"He's improved from his last run. We didn't go too hard on him after his last race as it took a bit out of him," reported Harney.

"The draw (stall two) was key today. The ground was on the easy side of good so we were hopeful.

"He is entered in the Northfields at the Curragh. I just put him in it as I've always thought a lot of him from day one.

"That's my fourth winner and they have all been with this horse, I only have two in at the minute."

C. O'Donoghue, rider of Navegante (GB), trained by John Joseph Murphy, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount lost its action.

(DM & EM)