Loingseoir (blue) beats Coins Cross (pink)© Photo Healy Racing
Loingseoir repeated last year's success in the apprentice handicap when scoring at 12/1 in the hands of Jack Cleary.
Having raced in mid-division, the six-year-old was switched left for racing room inside the final quarter mile and picked up well to hit the front under a furlong out. He went past Coeur D'or and Coins Cross at that point, but the later rallied well as the winner was all out to hold on by a head. Couer D'or was half a length further back in third.
It was a fifth victory for the son of Henrythenavigator.
Winning trainer Michael Grassick, for whom it was a first winner for his mother Miriam who now part-owns Loingseoir, said: “He won the race last year but I think he’s 5lb higher this year. He loves that ground and coming off a fast pace. He just held on.
“The handicapper hasn’t been kind to him all year. He ran well in Galway and he gave him 3lb and it’s taken a long time to get back down to where he’s competitive. When he gets over 80 he struggles.
“He’s a grand horse to have in the yard and pays his way. We’ll probably come back here again as he likes the Curragh.
“Jack rides out three mornings a week for me and he’s also with Sheila Lavery. That’s his first winner for me so it’s nice to give him a winner.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
