Shay Barry gets 'the bumps' from his weigh-room colleagues © Photo Healy Racing
Gold Patrol galloped on strongly in the closing stages to run out a convincing winner of the Friends Of Shay Barry Novice Handicap Hurdle at Tramore.
Barry O'Neill tracked the leaders on the 9/4 favourite before delivering his challenge at the second last.
He soon hit the front and asserted going to the last to record a six-length win over Indian Outlook
The winner hadn't been disgraced behind the classy Faugheen at Navan last weekend and was trying his hand at handicap company for the first time today.
Winning trainer Colin Bowe was at the sales in Cheltenham and O'Neill said afterwards:- “He seemed to handle the ground well and he stays very well. His jumping is quick which is a help also.
“He's a nippy little horse and you can be anywhere you like with him in a race. I'd imagine he'll go for something similar over Christmas.”
There was a presentation in the parade ring after the race which was named in honour of Shay Barry, who retired from race riding recently.
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
