Tommy McJohn defies topweight to win Naas nursery

The Michael O'Callaghan trained Tommy McJohn gave weight away to his rivals when getting up close home to win the Calphormin Nursey Handicap at Naas.

Runner-up on his first two starts in maidens, the Mehmas gelding proved slightly disappointing on his third run when only managing a mid division finish at Cork last month.

Equipped with first-time blinkers this afternoon, the 10/3f stayed on strongly under Dylan Browne McMonagle to lead close home to beat El Fontenaro by one-and-a-half lengths.

In a race where the field split into two groups, the eventual winner came stands side, while the runner-up led home those on the far rail.

Winning trainer Michael O'Callaghan: “Dylan said that he got quite unbalanced at one point and he was glad to have the rail. He said he was going away again at the line but he said he wouldn't rush to step up to six furlongs,” said O'Callaghan.

“He thinks a good stiff five is his trip and he would appreciate a little bit more of an ease, as he changed his legs plenty and felt it a little bit.

“The top-weight in a nursery are usually the best horse in the race at this time of year.

“He's a small little horse and did well to carry that weight. Dylan was very good on him.”

When asked if he could return for the Birdcatcher he added:- “He's a possible, especially the fact he said he wants an ease but he wouldn't be rushing up to six. He thinks he might get it but we might look for another five furlong nursery somewhere.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson.