Rock De Baune outstays rivals

Rock De Baune (6/1, from an opening 9/2 on track) completed a quick double for owner J.P. McManus when coming from last to first to take the Behan’s Horseshoe Bar, Restaurant and Townhouse Accomodation Handicap for John Kiely and Tom Madden.

Having been niggled along in rear at halfway, he was travelling much more smoothly behind the leaders turning for home and hit the front just inside the furlong marker.

He ran on well from that point to defeat Royal Illusion (13/8 fav) and Dalileo (7/1) by two and a quarter lengths and one length.

Twice a winning hurdler, including a defeat of three-time Grade 1 winner Klassical Dream when both horses were trained in France, this was a second success on the level for the Saddex gelding after a maiden win at Ballinrobe in June.

“I thought we were in a bit of trouble early on as he wasn't travelling very well but it turned into a bit of a staying contest and the slow ground helped him a bit, said J.P McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry.

"He ran well at Roscommon and has come on a bit from that and got a lovely ride from Tom.

"His oul jumping is not wonderful and we'll look for something (on the flat) before the season ends and take it from there.

"Everyone keeps referring to his defeat of Klassical Dream in France (October 2017) but he hasn't just produced that over hurdles yet. He isn't the best of leapers but maybe he will get the hang of it long term."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes