Strong Johnson tough in Tipp for Scott

Strong Johnson gamely fended off the pursuers in the five furlong Follow Tipperary On Facebook Race.

The 6/1 shot bounced away smartly to lead under Colin Keane and tanked along at the halfway stage.

He came under a drive from Keane approaching the final furlong and a half and the pair kept up the gallop.

Deep inside the final furlong a trio of closers - Verhoyen indigo Balance and Dancin Inthestreet were hot on his heels but the five-year-old gelding wasn't for passing.

He flashed past the winning post half a length in front of Verhoyen (9/2).

This was a first winner, from few runners, since October 2014 for trainer Homer Scott.

Keane said: “He’s been a very good horse to me and that’s the fourth race I’ve won on him. He’s a Premier Handicap winner (Rockingham at the Curragh last year) and is probably a borderline Listed horse.

“He’s rock solid and hopefully can continue that for the rest of the year. He’s won on nearly all types of ground and is a proper good fun horse for connections.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee