St George's Head gains 'overdue' win

St George's Head fended off top-weight Tyrconnell to land the spoils in the first split of the seven-furlong handicap at Dundalk.

The three-year-old gelding, in first-time cheekpieces, raced prominently for Declan McDonogh before the pair assumed the lead after a furlong.

The leader was on good terms with himself in the final two furlongs and had the field in trouble approaching the business end.

Tyrconnell emerged from the pack to try and chase him down but the 9/2 shot had enough in the tank to repel him by three parts of a length.

The runner-up went off 4/1 favourite and was four and a quarter lengths clear of Muraahin (80/1).

Trainer Kieran Cotter said: “This fella has been running consistently here and was probably overdue a win.

“It was maybe our fault trying him over shorter trips for too long. He won well today.

“We decided to do the same as Pulse (Of Shanghai) did last week, let him roll along and enjoy himself and he saw them all off.

“He's owned by the Celtic Racing Club, which I set up about a year ago. There are around 40 in it and it's only €20 a month.

“It's a pity they can't be here but they are all thrilled. There should be another day in him up here and he'll progress as he gets older as well.”

This was St George's Head's breakthrough success on his 16th start.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson