Usa lands touch for Mahon

Usa edged a thriller in the opener at Ballinrobe to land a nice touch for Stephen Mahon.

The Bertolini gelding had been well backed from 14/1 in the morning and the support continued on course as he went off a 9/2 shot.

Paul Carberry produced his mount travelling well on the turn for home and he battled it out with 9/10 favourite Jimjim Mac Cool from the last.

The pair flashed past the post together with Usa just getting he nod by a head. The front-running Countess Salome was back in third.

The winner was turning out quickly again having chased home Bank The Bucks at the track last night.

Mahon was on hand to great his winner but went off to tend to his charge.

Several jockeys reported the ground to be riding good after the first and the official going was changed to good.

The description before racing had been good to firm, good in places. The racecourse had watered last night and this morning.

(GC & AM)