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- Tower Bridge gives McManus a nap hand
Michael Graham
Tower Bridge gives McManus a nap hand
Tower Bridge impresses in Bellewstown
© Photo Healy Racing
The JP McManus silks were carried to victory five times this evening in Bellewstown as Tower Bridge completed the nap hand in the bumper.
Joseph O'Brien's Tower Bridge, the 5/4 favourite, travelled well for Tom Hamilton in third before being switched out to lead approaching the two pole.
He quickly asserted and raced clear coming to the final furlong. Iolani (10/3) set off in vain pursuit but could make no impression and dropped to third near the line as Dalouga (2/1) got up for second.
The winning margin was recorded at seven and a half lengths.
Frank Berry, racing manager to JP McManus, said: "That was lovely. He travelled great the whole way, picked up easy and did it well.
“He seemed to like the ground and I'd say he has come on from his last run. He's going the right way.
“He'll probably go for another bumper and go jumping in the autumn.
“I'm never too greedy but we were hoping for one or two tonight. To get five is a bonus — it's great!
“It's brilliant and you couldn't have had a better evening here either. There is a fantastic crowd.”
The McManus five-timer paid just over 111/1.
Tower Bridge gave Joseph O'Brien a Bellewstown treble and an across-the-card quad as he also enjoyed a winner at Naas with Eagle Spirit
Additional reporting by Gary Carson