Samrogue escapes pocket just in time

Samrogue recored a sixth career win and fourth over this course and distance when finishing with a flourish to land the Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap.

The Ross O’Sullivan-trained mare had to wait for a gap over a furlong out but it eventually opened wide inside the final 150 yards and she quickened up nicely.

Oisin McSweeney ’s mount got up in the final strides to deny Below Deck by a head with Havana Notion the same distance further back in third.

The five-year-old provided Conor Hoban with a retirement winner when also beating Below Deck by a neck here last month.

O'Sullivan said, "No-one else really had ridden her other than Conor (Hoban). Oisin got on her and got to know her the last day - she had a terrible draw the last day and it made all the difference today.

"She broke well and was able to track the leaders, and the swing in the weights was key. It got a little bit tight up the straight, and she would have been an unlucky loser but it all worked out well.

"He is great value for 5lb and it was definitely needed today.

"I was very happy with her at home, her work was good and Conor, even after retiring, rode her work on Saturday morning and he was delighted with her. Conor knows her inside out. When he gave her the thumbs up, I was happy. He spoke to Oisin again today and I didn't give him any instructions.

"She hits her level and is probably climbing up to that now. That's what she is."

Quotes by Michael Graham