Roche uses his initiative to drive Slamadoor home

Leigh Roche set steady fractions on Slamadoor (17/2) in the second split of the BOYLESPORTS Supporting Irish Racing Handicap and found plenty for pressure at the business end. Jazz Dreamers (11/1) was a persistent challenger between the '2' and the '1' poles, however, Slamadoor moved away from that rival in the final 150 yards and had the race won close home.

Jazz Dreamers reduced the margin to half a length at the line and was the same distance in front of third-placed Simply Sideways (9/2).

Trainer Jarlath Fahey said: “Her two runs this year had been okay. She got into a bit of trouble up the straight in Leopardstown the last day which cost her some momentum.

“She got a lovely clear run today. The plan wasn’t to make it, but she jumped out and they weren’t going that hard so Leigh took the initiative and she braved it out very strong for him.

“We were aware that they were winning from the front and up the far rail so I said to Leigh to make his challenge where the rail breaks away and go up the inside, but he didn’t have to and had first run. It worked out great for him.

“She’s an honest little filly and has her grade. She jumps hurdles well, so there is the possibility that we might go hurdling with her.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee