Polished Rock, right, gets first run on the field© Photo Healy Racing
Charlie Elliott’s decision to push Polished Rock (9/2) into the lead round the home bend at Leopardstown paid rich dividends in the apprentice handicap over a mile and a quarter.
The pair forged their way home and poached a big enough lead to hold the closers – 5/2 favourite Shalaman and Ana O’Brien who stayed on strongly in the final furlong for second, and Carenza at 4/1 in third.
Jessica Harrington trains the three-year-old son of Rock Of Gibraltar and said: “He was a bit unlucky here last week. He got boxed in at the wrong time.
“He (Charlie Elliott) gave him a good ride, he got out and dictated it. He stayed galloping. He got first run which was good and he’ll go for another handicap.”
This was Polished Rock’s first career victory at the ninth attempt.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
