The second split of the 47-65 handicap went to Numidia (7/1) who fairly routed his 15 rivals under Killian Leonard. 

The winner of just one of his 28 Flat starts coming into this contest, the six-year-old was prominent throughout and Leonard made a race-winning move when kicking clear approaching the straight. From that point nothing could get near the Estidhkaar gelding who scored by six lengths from Hinemoa

Owner/trainer Peter Lawlor commented: “We stepped him up to a mile-and-a-half. He went early enough with him and luckily enough it worked out. 

“That wasn't the plan but he was travelling so well that he just kicked on and took a chance. 

“We're in that 47-65 bracket and we'll see what the handicapper gives us. We'll stick to between a mile-and-a-quarter and a mile-and-a-half. 

“We'll come again in two or three weeks time. I wouldn't like to see him stepping out of that bracket. 

“We needed that one as it's a long time since the last winner, it was last year. 

“He's always been very consistent and runs his heart out every time. He'll always give you his best.”

Quotes from Gary Carson