Barrow Island (rail) holds on from Mojita© Photo Healy Racing
Barrow Island just held the late lunge of Mojita to land the spoils in the ten furlong handicap at Cork.
Michael Halford 's charge had been in good form on the all-weather recently and made a winning return to the turf.
Shane Foley sent his mount into a narrow lead two furlongs out and he started to assert at the furlong pole.
11/4 favourite Mojita launched a late surge inside the final furlong, however, and the post just came too late for the runner-up as he failed by a head.
"He's as tough as they come and he's staying a lot better now," said Halford.
"Fitness might have made a difference as he ground it out. He has schooled over hurdles and jumps well. He should have no problem with two miles.
"We'll stick to mile-and--two handicaps and we won't be in a hurry to go back so quick with him (having run last week)."
Gary Carson & Thomas Weekes.
