Denis Hogan won the last at Tipperary © Photo Healy Racing
Polemon gave local trainer Denis Hogan a winner on the card when staying on best under Daniel King to win the concluding Great National Ballykisteen Golf Hotel Handicap at Tipperary.
Off the mark on his stable debut at Gowran Park last month, the five-year-old was far from disgraced when third of six at Killarney subsequently.
Back in another big field this afternoon, the 9/1 chance appeared to appreciate the faster run race, coming from off the pace early in the straight. Lady Christa who adopted her customary front running tactics, looked to have stolen the race under Billy Lee when kicking clear over two furlongs out.
However, Daniel King moved second on Polemon at that point, gradually closing the gap, before getting to the lead over 150 yards out. Staying on well inside the final furlong, the Premier Racing Club owned winner prevailed by three-and-a-quarter-lengths.
Denis Hogan, “He’s a lovely horse and it was too soft in Killarney the last day.
“Young Alan (Casey) had his first winner on him two runs ago and Dan gave him a lovely ride today.
“He could go jumping at some stage but he’s a mile and a half horse and will handle the all-weather as well so he has options.
“He was only 9,000 and is well paid for already.
“He’s entered at Clonmel on Thursday so we’ll see.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee.