King times it just right on Pakens Rock

Pakens Rock pinched the Galway Plate Trial Handicap Chase from The Dara Man in Kilbeggan.

The Dara Man very nearly made all and jumped well in the main apart from his last fence (normal two out).

With the last fence being omitted due to low-lying sun, there was a very run to the finish and arguably the ommission of that fence did the leader no favours.

He was battling on for Liam Quinlan but Pakens Rock made very stealthy headway under Daniel King and really served it up to the leader in the closing stages.

The challenger came home best to strike close home at the end of and extended two miles three furlongs.

The 10/3 shot beat the 4/1 runner-up by half a length.

Trainer Barry Murphy was leading up the winner and said: “He's won four times in Galway, but I don't think he'll get into the Plate and he might even be tight to get into the Blazers.

“I've two horses so I'm happy to have a winner any time.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson