Lieutenant Silver takes the gold

Lieutenant Silver belied odds of 50/1 and an unpromising position in-running before flying home to win the Leopardstown Handicap at Leopardstown today for trainer Padraig Roche and jockey Gary Halpin.

The son of Acclamation was held up in rear and while he looked held with ten horses to pass with a furlong to race, he scooted home to eventually wear down the leaders and score a half length win over Santorini Sun

Trainer Roche later commented “it wasn't really a surprise. He didn't really show us much last year but Mark and Aisling (Gittens, owners) took him home and the credit must go to them because they did a great job with him.

“He came back to me a different horse this year and his work was good so we thought he'd run well anyway. It's great to get the win out of him.

“It was probably a very ordinary race and we'll look for something similar. He might even get a bit further.

“He's schooled at home. We'll see what Mark and Aisling want to do but we might keep him to the Flat and go for a hurdle later on in the year.”

Quotes from Gary Carson