Old Theatre Royal back to best

Old Theatre Royal became the third winning 14/1 shot of the session at Roscommon when capturing the Tote Mobile Betting Handicap Hurdle in the hands of Robbie Moran.

The Wexford winner from July, bounced back from a below-par effort at Cork ten days later when coming out on top by a length and a half from Roman Numeral

County Wicklow-based former amateur rider Lorcan Donnelly owns and trains Old Theatre Royal and he said: "He missed the break at Cork and he got bumped around trying to get into position.

"A horse fell in front of him then and nearly brought him down. The jockey done the wise thing and sat on him and minded him and got him home.

"I expected him to run well today. We'll see what the handicapper does but there is a nice little race for him in Galway and he might go there."

Mrs Pauline Gavin, trainer of The Lady Granuaile (USA), reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that her charge made a respiratory noise in running

The Stewards requested a report from Lorcan Joseph Donnelly, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Old Theatre Royal, placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that his charge disappointed on his last start in Cork when missing the break and getting hampered by a faller in running. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanations offered.

(DM & EM)