Rocky comes from last to first in Oct Handicap

Rocky Bleier came from last to first to win the Woodlands 100 Club October Handicap, scoring under Billy Lee for Bill Farrell.

The four-year-old son of Rock Of Gibraltar won a maiden at Dundalk on his second start in April before disappointing on his next two efforts in handicap company.

He got back to winning ways at Navan earlier this month and he was stepped up in trip to a mile and a half for the second time this afternoon.

Sent off a 20/1 chance he was settled in rear and was ridden as they turned into the straight.

He made some progress into mid-division with two furlongs to go before he swept to the front on the outer inside the final 100 yards, going on to score by a length and a half at the line. Bazaar who was backed from 11/2 to 9/2 joint-favourite on-course, dead-heated for second with Princess Pearlita (16/1), while the other joint-favourite, Cailini Alainn was a further length and a quarter back in fourth.

Bill Farrell said in the aftermath: "He's named after a tough man and on the day he was named I said 'he's sure to be useless' so I was happy when he won his maiden!

"In fairness to Mr Rooney he's been patient with me. He's at mass in Connecticut at the moment and must have been saying his prays!

"He got a bit jarred up in the spring. We waited for his shins to settle and for an ease in the ground. "He's on an upward curve. He's in the sales but won't go now."

The winner is owned by Timothy Rooney, whose family own American football team the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the gelding is named after their legendary halfback.

The owner's brother Dan is a former US Ambassador to Ireland.

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Mr. W. Flemming, regarding the failure of C.J. McGovern, rider of Won Diamond (GB), placed, fifth, to weigh in after this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned in the presence of M. Halford, trainer and master of C. J. McGovern.

Having considered the evidence, the Stewards disqualified Won Diamond (GB) from fifth place.

Furthermore the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Rule 227 and having considered his record, suspended him for two racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee.

Amended result:

First: Rocky Bleier (GB).

Second: Bazaar and Princess Pearlita (Deadheat).

Fourth: Cailin Alainn.

Fifth: Ancient Sands

Sixth: Shemshal (FR).

Additional reporting by Gary Carson