Pride Of Derry, far side, holds on from Confident Star© Photo Healy Racing
Pride Of Derry got off the mark in the opening juvenile maiden at Roscommon but not before being given a late scare by Confident Star
Pride Of Derry, the 3/1 favourite, broke swiftly from stall six and was soon settled in third by Declan McDonogh behind Gwan So and Bridge Of Dawn
McDonogh's mount travelled all over his rivals and worked his way to the front approaching the final quarter of a mile.
He was given the office at the furlong pole and looked to have the race in the bag with 100 yards to go, however, Confident Star stormed home on the outside to force a photograph.
Pride Of Derry got the verdict by a head from the 12/1 runner-up who was the subject of support throughout the day before drifting at the track. Gwan So was punted from 15/2 to 9/2 and came in a length further back.
Trainer Ciaran Murphy said: “It's more of a relief than anything today. When we missed our chance in Galway we had to come again. We really fancied him going to Galway but it just didn't work out.
“Oisin's (Orr) hands were tied that day and it just didn't work out for him. I feel sorry for him today but Declan did a brilliant job. He went out with a plan and got the job done.
“We think he could be a Listed horse and, if he's not sold, he'll go that route. We think he's a lovely colt.”
The Railway View Stud Partnership's Pride Of Derry had been placed in two of his three previous starts, when third at Down Royal and runner-up in Galway when suffering a less than clear route.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
