The Bog Bank and James Ryan (centre)© Photo Healy Racing
Runner-up over course and distance last August and placed several times since, The Bog Bank (12s into 17/2 before the off) deservedly got a first win on the board in the first division of the Peadar Kearney's Pub Handicap.
The daughter of Epaulette was produced to challenge over a furlong out by 7lb claimer James Ryan and she responded gamely to her rider's urgings to see off Heer At Dawn by three parts of a length. The Breakfast Club was a further length and three quarters away in third.
Tom McCourt said: "She has been unlucky. She's an honest, little filly and she tries hard. She just gets a bit outpaced at times and comes home well. She flew home in Gowran Park the last day.
"She's better from a wide draw, she just doesn't get away well enough. She likes a bit of space as well.
"James (Ryan) gave her a great ride and he knows her well. All she does is keep galloping really.
"James is a right young lad. He hadn't ridden in pony racing or anything like that and he hadn't even had his first ride this time last year. He's doing very well and he has a good head on him and rides a good race."
Quotes from Michael Graham
