Toccata gives rivals the Blues

Viewed by some as a novelty event, and others a gimmick, the Irish Field Grey Horse Handicap is certainly a departure from the norm and the mile contest produced an exciting finish with Toccata Blue produced with a well-timed challenge under Emmet McNamara.

After extricating the Ger Lyons-trained “roan” gelding from a pocket on the far rail causing the under pressure Patrickswell some interference about two furlongs out, McNamara’s mount quickened up well inside the final furlong to collar Susiescot by a length.

The result was confirmed following a stewards enquiry, with Right Divine a further three quarters of a length back in third.

Lyons said, “There’s nothing of him and in the parade ring he looked like a foal compared to everything else. Still he’s won three now and Emmet gets on well with him.

“It’s a bit of a gimmick of a race and I’m not sure if I agree with it but its nice to win any race.”