Storm Ranger is ridden out by Chris Hayes© Photo Healy Racing
Storm Ranger landed a nice on-course touch, as he took the Buy Tickets Online At TipperaryRaces.ie Handicap.
Previously placed three times, the Pat Flynn trained five-year-old was out of the frame on his first three starts this season, putting in an improved performance to finish fifth at Gowran on his last start.
Having opened on-course at 20/1, the son of Bushranger eventually went off at just 12s under Chris Hayes.
Settled in mid-division, he was pushed along entering the straight and soon made gradual progress, hitting the front in the final 200 yards, before going on to win by two and a quarter lengths. Settle For Red (10s to 8s) had to settle for second under Oisin Orr for David Marnane, while Allegio (8/1) was half a length back in third for Killian Hennessy and Denis Hogan. Try Again was sent off the 9/2 favourite. The Paul Flynn trained gelding hit the front two furlongs out, but faded when headed inside the final furlong, eventually finishing fifth.
Flynn said afterwards: "We were fancying him tonight but we were worrying about the draw in 10. He did it well and hopefully he can win again.
"We always liked him and I have him entered at Gowran on Tuesday and he'll run if he's right."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
