Coins Cross and Paddy Harnett win the TRI Equestrian Handicap© Photo Healy Racing
Coins Cross stayed on best to run out a decisive winner of the TRI Equestrian Handicap for Eddie and Patrick Harty at the Curragh.
Down in distance and fitted with first-time blinkers, the Dragon Pulse gelding took over from the front running Verhoyen over a furlong out and quickly asserted.
Winning jockey Paddy Harnett could afford to push out hands and heels close home, as the four-year-old bounded clear of his rivals.
It was a quick return to action for the winner, who had finished down the field at Leopardstown on Saturday.
“He appreciated the gallop yesterday!” said Eddie Harty.
“He's a funny horse, he's been keeping a bit for himself the whole time. He ran a blinder here the last day and was unlucky not to win.
“There were only two races for him, the mile-and-a-quarter yesterday which I was a bit suspicious about and the seven furlong today which was a bit on the short side.
“We went yesterday and he kind of got out of it a little bit and it didn't take anything out of him so I said we'd rock up here today.
“He's won well at the finish, there is an engine in there. He was going away at the finish and he's won snug enough.
“The last furlong was entitled to be his best as he's a miler on soft ground. He wants a good track as well.
“He's in the sales, he's been a good old campaigner and I wouldn't mind having him back if someone wants to buy him.
“He's a sound, good winded horse that turns up every day you want him.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
