John Egan & Tony Mulholland with their winner Juara© Photo Healy Racing
The Tony Mulholland trained Juara just got up close home to deny Daft Dave an all the way win in the final race at Roscommon this evening, the Roscommon Herald Handicap.
The three-year-old daughter of Iffraaj had shown little before today and she was sent off at 14/1 for the mile and a half contest under John Egan. She tracked the leaders for much of the contest and was a moderate fourth before the straight, as the front-running Daft Dave (10/1) kicked from home under Niall McCullagh.
It looked as if the Ger Lyons trained gelding would hold on in front but the winner came with a strong run on the outside, just getting up close home to win by a short-head.
After winning her last two at Tramore and Fairyhouse, Melanippe was sent off the 11/4 favourite under Chris Hayes for Paul Deegan, and she finished just a neck back in third.
Tony Mulholland, who trains in Cootehill, Co Cavan, was recording his first winner on the level in Ireland and he said afterwards: "She just keeps galloping and I said to John to be as handy as you can on her.
"The last day at Leopardstown she got done for a bit of toe but was staying on again at the finish and she wants a mile and a half plus.
"I have sixteen horses in training at the moment and I’ve a few running here tomorrow evening."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
