Pak Army has been a decent servant to the Shay Barry yard and he struck again this afternoon in the Thomond Bridge Handicap at Limerick.

Rory Cleary was aboard for his previous two wins as well, but the five-year-old Arcano gelding moved away from Dundalk’s polytrack to triumph for the first time on grass on this occasion.

Last seen when a beaten favourite over hurdles at Tramore 55 days back, Pak Army rewarded those that kept the faith at odds of 16/1.

He sustained superficial wounds on his left hind at Tramore. He was on top order with himself here though, keeping Advanced Virgo at bay by half a length.

"It was a good performance,” said Cleary as Barry was on lead-up duty.

"Shay was very happy with him before the race and gave me loads of instructions, he was very positive on him. He'd ran in worse ground over hurdles so he felt he'd handle it, he just told me to be good and confident. He's a good, solid handicapper."

The Stewards interviewed R.P. Cleary, rider of Pak Army, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that R.P. Cleary was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards cautioned R.P. Cleary on this occasion.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Loingseoir trained by M.C. Grassick, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Billy Lee rider of Loingseoir trained by M.C. Grassick, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was keen early on, got caught wide and his run petered out in the closing stages.

(TW & EM)