Rummaging approaches the line in Gowran Park© Photo Healy Racing
Rummaging (7/1) made the most of a dream run up the inside rail to land the five runner seven furlong handicap in Gowran Park.
The seven-year-old, with 7lb-claimer Conor McGovern in the saddle, raced in third but as the leader Texas Rock came under pressure at the two pole he veered left allowing Rummaging to deliver his challenge on the inside.
McGovern took full advantage and drove his mount through to take over at the furlong marker. He then kept him up to his work to win by three parts of a length from Texas Rock (11/4).
Trainer Mick Halford said: "He is a smashing horse and that is his first win on grass. I would say the claim was a big help to him. He is very genuine but I just stuck cheekpieces back on him as he is getting on a bit and I thought they might sharpen him up.
"It was an ideal race for him with a small field. He got a lead and then it opened up for him and it was copybook stuff the way it unfolded for him. Maybe some of the others weren't at their best after running at the weekend. I'm delighted for the owners, they have stuck with him.
"He is still rated quite high so it's not that easy to place him but he rattles off that ground and that is a help.
"Conor rides well. He is a bit heavy and he is going to go jumping later in the year. He has already had a few rides over hurdles. He has got a good cool head on him and I'm delighted to give him a winner."
This was McGovern's fourth career success.
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
