Swiss Army Officer (right) beats Barnhill Rose (white cap) © Photo Healy Racing
The first division of the Dick Mulvanney Supporting Roscommon Racecourse Apprentice Handicap went to Swiss Army Officer (12s into 9/1 before the off) in the hands of Conor Stone-Walsh.
The in-form 7lb claimer, registering a third winner from his last nine rides, positioned his mount in mid-division in a race run at a reasonable gallop. Having turned for home in sixth, the winner was soon pushed along and quite a wide gap opened for him racing to the final furlong. Stone-Walsh seized his opportunity and drove his mount to the front in the final 100 yards to beat Barnhill Rose by half a length.
Eight-year-old Swiss Army Officer, returning from a near six month layoff, was gaining a third career win.
“I'm delighted. We retired him at the end of last year and I got him back for the two South African guys to ride but today was an apprentice race. I wanted to run him in Killarney, because he likes it, but he got in today,” said winning trainer Kevin Coleman.
“Conor was unbelievable on him. We're down to a good mark, he's had loads of problems and if we can get him back after today well and good but it's every day with this lad. He's 17-1 and has a lot of problems.
“He's repaid me now because I kept him three years too long!”
Quotes from Gary Carson
