Sea Eagle, right, gets there for Jack Cleary© Photo Healy Racing
Jack Cleary timed it just right on Sea Eagle who got up in the Abbey Hotel Roscommon Handicap this evening.
No less than four horses held claims across the track inside the final furlong. Sea Eagle was played widest of all in fourth and made sustained headway with 150 yards left. He kept coming and led narrowly in the final stride.
The judge awarded it to him by a neck at 6/1 from Theophilos (7/2) who did little wrong in leading close home before being mugged. Cleopatra's Needle (4/1) led in the closing stages, but had to settle for third in the end.
“We weren't sure about the trip and told Jack to ride him cold. Three runners coming out of the race as well was a help as well traffic wise,” trainer Ger O'Leary said.
“Jack gave him a lovely ride. It opens options for us now from seven furlongs to a mile and two. We're delighted.
“We've no massive plans, we'll just look for another nice handicap. A lot of the boys in the syndicate are here tonight so I'm delighted for them as well.”
This was Sea Eagle's first crack at an extended 10-furlongs.
Emeric, Magic Charm and Turbulence were non runners in this contest.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
