Love conquers all again

Is That Love defied his penalty in fine style when running out a cosy winner of the Tulsk Apprentice Handicap at Roscommon.

The Ado McGuinness-trained gelding was following up on his success at Fairyhouse last Friday, for which the handicapper gave him a 13lb hike this morning.

Cian Mac Redmond did the steering again on the Es Que Love gelding and produced the 5/2 favourite to lead a furlong-and-a-half from home.

The four-year-old was always doing enough in the closing stages to hold Summer's Dream by half a length.

It was a hat-trick of wins for Is That Love and his fifth victory since joining McGuinness who said:-

“He got 13lb for last Friday so we had to run him. He had 10-6, a national hunt weight there today.

“He's done it well from stall 15 and Cian have him a great ride. He was very cool on him, he didn't panic. I have to give him a clap on the back for that, it was a great ride.

“The horse is improving and he's going to go up (in the ratings) again. We'll just take our time with him and find something else.

“Last October I would have given him away and it's funny how they turn. The lads are great supporters of mine and I'm delighted for them.”