Zeftan scores for McCreery & Hussey

The Peter McCreery trained Zeftan landed an on-course gamble as he took the Great Limerick Run Maiden under Michael Hussey.

The four-year-old son of Bachelor Duke finished second on his last two starts at Dundalk and he was backed on-course this afternoon from 5/1 into 7/2.

Having tracked the leaders in the early stages he travelled well entering the straight. He came with his challenge inside the final furlong and he kept on well in the closing stages to hold off the challenge of newcomer Conan’s Rock (16/1). Treasure The Ridge was sent off the 9/4 favourite under Leigh Roche for Dermot Weld but he could only manage third a further length and a quarter back.

Winning owner Adrian Keatley (former assistant to Oliver McKiernan) said afterwards; "He did it well and we will see what the handicapper does now but he might go to Leopardstown.

"He will go further and he has a fair future. The way things worked out he was unlucky at Dundalk. He is sharp enough for a mile but he is bred to stay."

Derek McCormack, rider of runner-up Conan's Rock was given a one day suspension by the Stewards for using his whip with excessive frequency.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes