Michael Graham
St Stephens Green another one for punters
St Stephens Green beats Jan Van Eyck
© Photo Healy Racing
St Stephens Green was the fourth winning favourite on Tramore's card when seeing off Jan Van Eyck in the Strand Inn Handicap.
The six-year-old gelding cruised into contention under a motionless Danny Mullins approaching the home bend.
Those who had taken the 11/10 must have been counting their money but Jan Van Eyck (13/2) had other ideas.
He tacked onto the outside of St Stephens Green and kept him more than honest in the final furlong but had to give best by a neck. Shadagann who set most of the fractions, was nine lengths back in third at 6/1.
Danny Mullins said: "Emmet (Mullins) has done a great job with him. He found a nice race for him here and he did the job well. He was probably a little unlucky at Galway.
"He battled on well. I'm not sure whether he will go back hurdling now or stick to the Flat. He is a nice horse with plenty of options and it's great to get the job done today."
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy