Joecooker and Brian Dunleavy © Photo Healy Racing
Trained locally in Enniscorthy by Mary Ellen Doyle, Joecooker sent local punters home smiling when staying on strongly under Brian Dunleavy to win the concluding Wexford Racecourse Park Run INH Flat Race.
Fourth in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown last month after a long layoff, the Masked Marvel gelding was sent off 14/1 to open his account on his first start in a bumper.
Travelling really strongly in front entering the straight, the gelding was challenged by both Well Buoy and Drumlee Myth close home but had enough in reserve to stay on for a half-length win.
James Doyle, winning owner and brother of the winning trainer, said: "I was expecting him to run well. He probably did see out the three miles in the point-to-point. He had a nice run at Punchestown in a maiden hurdle where he finished fourth and wasn't beaten by far.
"He is by the same sire as Teahupoo and cost plenty as a store. A few lads have got involved in him recently and I'll chat to them before deciding what we do next. We'll see how he comes out of this race.
"We had a runner in the first today as well who finished fourth and wasn't beaten far. Point-to-pointing is mainly what we do, but we have a few for the summer for the track. It's a family run operation between myself and my sister Ellen and we just run a few on the track that don't hit the back of the net in point-to-point's."
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
