Radanpour gets back to winning ways

The easy to back Radanpour got the better of market rival Romanesque in the Byrne Marquees Hilltown Race.

Having won on his first three starts last season, the Dermot Weld trained four-year-old then finished a disappointing last of eight in the Irish Derby.

He filled the runner-up spot on his return to action at Gowran in April, before again flopping at Limerick in a Listed contest.

As short as 5/4 last night, the son of Sea The Stars opened on-course at 2's before going off a 9/4 chance.

Sent straight to the front by Pat Smullen, the winner came under pressure and was joined by the 8/13 favourite Romanesque at the two furlong pole.

The duo had a great battle from there, with Radanpour battling back gamely in the closing stages, prevailing by a neck.

The runner-up, who opened on-course at 8/11, was ridden by Donnacha O'Brien for his father Aidan.

Pat Smullen said afterwards: "He's a lovely genuine horse and tries very hard.

"The ground was ideal for him today. He had to battle to win. He's a horse that has probably not been right all year until now.

"He had to be at his best to win today as the second pushed him all the way. I love his attitude, he puts his head down and tries hard.

"An ease in the ground is vital to him. We learned that last year in the King George V Cup. The Irish Derby left it's toll on him but he's back right now."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson