Crystal Pool 'bobs' at the right time to touch off favourite

The Gowran Park Handicap (45-65) (DIV I) produced an exciting finish with 28/1 chance Crystal Pool getting up on the line to deny the 13/8 favourite Coill Na Sionainne by a short head.

Nathan Crosse was out in front on the market leader as the field fanned out in the straight and it looked like he felt he had matters under control as he took a couple of looks over his left shoulder where the majority of the field was racing.

The eventual winner, though, had followed the favourite around and hugged the far rail as Wayne Lordan, who picked up a three day ban for using his whip with excessive frequency, produced her to challenge inside the final furlong.

Crosse realised the danger was to his right at that point but Crystal Pool had built up some momentum and her head ‘bobbed’ at the right time to gain the verdict. The first two finished well clear of third home Musalsal (9/2)

Placed at Dundalk back in February, the winning daughter of Society Rock was getting off the mark on her twelfth start.

Winning trainer Pat Martin said: "It's a long time coming but we've had a lot of faith in this one, believe it or not.

"She's run some terrible races but more often than not we've found a reason for it. She ran good races in Dundalk but she's not quick enough for the mile there and wouldn't have the temperament to go further.

“We liked the idea of a low draw today, the plan was to make the running but she just doesn't come out quick enough. Still where she was is as close as she's been after three or four furlongs in a race.

“The jockey did a terrific job, I was really impressed, and he said she was a willing partner.

“Full credit to him as I thought we were going to come out the wrong side of it. The other horse looked like it was going so much better but she battled well for him and just got there in time.

“I'm delighted as she was bred by my late father-in-law (Tom Brennan) and it means a lot. He runs in Joan's colours and they are his old colours so we are delighted.”

Quotes from Gary Carson