Romero repels Lane in driving finish

Oscer Romero pulled out all the stops to hold on and claim victory in the novice handicap chase at Wexford.

Paddy O'Hanlon cut out the running on the 9/1 shot and the Philip Rothwell-trained gelding found plenty in the closing stages.

He wasn't fluent when tackled by Mercury Lane at the last but the Court Cave gelding dug deep on the run-in to repel that rival by a neck.

Rothwell said:- "Marie Bagland looks after him at home. She puts in a lot of effort and has done a great job with him.

“He wants better ground and we were hoping it would be loose today. He ran very well on loose ground at Fairyhouse one day but when it gets very holding, he struggles on it.

“I went through the form of all the horses in the race, they all seemed to be the same, they all want a bit of better ground. We took a chance and I thought Paddy gave him an unbelievably positive ride.

“We will wait until after Punchestown with him now. I think he'll continue for the summer on a bit of nicer ground. There is no plan B with him, he just goes out in front.

"It's great to get a winner, Oliver, Marie and the Barden family are so supportive, it's fantastic. The yard is going great but we could do with a good horse."

(Quotes by Donal Murphy)