Merrion gains a deserved win

Port Merrion gained a deserved win when gamely holding off the persistent challenge of Yava in the Gabriel Curran Memorial Handicap at the Curragh.

Trained by Jessica Harrington, and racing in the colours of her late husband Johnny, the 5/1 chance made the frame on all five previous handicap starts and was prominent throughout in this seven-furlong event.

The Intense Focus gelding and Yava fought out a protracted battle inside the final furlong, and Fran Berry’s mount just proved the stronger in the closing stages to prevail by a neck.

McTaggart was a further length and a half back in third, with 9/2 favourite Have A Nice Day in fourth.

Mrs Harrington said, "He's been knocking on the door and deserved that. He was a bit unlucky when just beaten at Killarney, and loved that ground today.

"You always get a bit worried when they are placed so often, so it's lovely to get a win with him."