Fromajacktoaking with connections in the winners enclosure© Photo Healy Racing
Fromajacktoaking got off the mark at the seventh time of asking when taking the Hobbs Claming Race at Down Royal.
Ronan Whelan had his claim reduced to 3lb here after sending the Paul Deegan-trained colt between horses to lead two furlongs out.
The 7/2 joint favourite kept on gamely under pressure to hold Mahyar Glaz (16/1) by a length and three quarters, with Marvelous James (7/1) in third. Rock On Coco was all the rage on track (16/1-6/1) but could manage only fifth.
The winner is owned by the "Named By Colm Partnership" which refers to RTE's Colm Murray, and the successful grouping includes the Irish Racing Post editor Jonathan Mullin and colleagues Paul Byrne and Gavin Lynch.
Successful trainer Paul Deegan said, "He’s enough ability to win a race like that, and his form has been good as he was third in a premier handicap at Tipperary. On his form he was entitled to win today.
“The John McConnell one coming out (Fiftyshadesofred got upset at the start) might have helped him. Ronan gave him a good ride, although the horse was idling in front. He’s a Birdcatcher horse if he gets into that race, he’s up to that standard.”
The withdrawal of Fiftyshadesofred (6/1) meant a 10c in the euro deduction to all winning bets. There were no claims afterwards for any of the 14 runners.
(Additional reporting by Michael Graham)
