Melanjo (leading) holds off the late challenge of Royal Sam to win the bumper under Declan Lavery© Photo Healy Racing
The final race at Gowran today, the Kilkenny Pro/Am Flat Race over 2m 4f went to the locally trained Melanjo for James Morrissey with Declan Lavery aboard.
This 6yo daughter of Flemensfirth was sent to post at 20/1 having pulled up on her only start to date in a maiden hurdle at Downpatrick in December behind Mae's Choice.
Having raced in mid-division early on she made progress into fourth four furlongs from home. She then hit the front entering the straight and soon went clear. Royal Sam (7/1) for Andrew Duff and Gavin Cromwell was closing on her all the way to the line but it came just in time for the winner as she held on to score by half a length. The Pounds for the father and son team of Tom and Pat Foley finished fifteen lengths back in third at 5/1 while the 13/8 favourite Twice Returned could only manage a disappointing sixth for Lady Jennifer Fowler.
Winning trainer James Morrissey said afterwards: "She's a grand mare and I was hoping she would run well but I didn't expect her to win.
"I thought the ground might be a bit soft for her. She is a nice staying prospect and will go hurdling in the autumn."
Donal Muphy & Gary Carson
