Johannisberger, left, clears the last and forges clear at Roscommon© Photo Healy Racing
Noel Meade and Davy Condon showed a liking for the two mile hurdle races at Roscommon as they doubled up with Johannisberger (10/3 from 5/1 in the morning) in the maiden for four-year-olds and older.
The five-year-old, who finished lame in seventh when a beaten favourite in Sligo in May, was given a patient ride by Condon.
Paul Townend drove Zardaska (10/3) into the lead three out and it looked like he would forge clear, but Condon got a nice run up on the inside coming to the second last and stretched away after the last to beat him by six lengths.
“His grandmother Houseproud won the French 1000 Guineas,” Noel Meade remarked.
“When we ran him first time we loved him [second at Down Royal on May 7] and thought he was a real good horse, but he went wrong off his puff and he had an operation and he had another operation since his last run.
“I thought the ground might be too soft but it is summer soft and probably suited him well. He’ll probably be better jumping fences as he’s an enormous big horse.” Prince Of Dubai took third for Denis Cullen and Danny Mullins at 14/1. Enchanted Forest was sent off 2/1 favourite for Michael Hourigan and Barry Geraghty but disappointed in sixth.
(on course reporting by Thomas Weekes)
