McIntyre off the mark with Brave Troop

The business end of the Treacy's Pharmacies Handicap in Ballinrobe only involved two horses and it was Brave Troop who got the measure of the favourite See Me Through by half a length.

The five-year-old gelding had changed stables to Alan McIntyre for whom this was a first success in the training ranks.

It wasn't without incident, though, as Brave Troop moved to the front entering the straight from See Me Through, but the new leader tightened up his rival on the rail in the closing stages.

Luke McAteer had his whip in his correct hand (right) as he attempted to straighten his mount up and the pair went on by half a length close home at 5/1.

Runner-up See Me Through (9/4f) was eight lengths clear of the third home, River Derwent (12/1).

McIntyre said: "I'm delighted to get my first winner, it's been a long time coming and a lot of hard work. I'm very fortunate that I got a job working for Michael and Ruth Foley at Old Leighlin Stables. I'm only in the job a couple of weeks and I've around ten horses in. I'm very grateful for their support.

"This is a nice horse to have. He's quirky and kicked the box the whole way from Carlow, but he's tough and we'll find something at Galway for him. He wouldn't want the ground any quicker than this.

"I thought the horse (Mythical Rock) in the maiden was going to be my first winner, I was walking in thinking he had it, but he's run a blinder (in second) and has really come on for his first run. He's another nice horse to have in the yard.

"I was head lad for Emmet Mullins for two years and then I pre-trained for Jessie (Harrington) for two years as well. Ruairi Devine works with me in the yard and has 20 years experience in the game, so lot of credit goes to him."

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan