Theyturnedmedown (nearest) holds off Curl Cat to win under Leigh Roche for Jimmy Coogan© Photo Healy Racing
Theyturnedmedown battled gamely to win the Supervalu's Roscommon Handicap over seven furlongs for trainer Jimmy Coogan with Leigh Roche in the saddle.
The 4yo son of Captain Rio won over the course and distance last month at 16/1 and followed up this evening after finishing sixth in a handicap behind Bubbly Bellini at Sligo in the interim.
Sent off at 11/2 (opened at 7/1 on-course) he hit the front inside the two furlong pole and kept on well from there to hold off the challenge of Curl Cat (5/1), for the father and son team of Tom and Rory Cleary, by a neck at the line. Cinnin Oir was a further two and three parts of a length back in third at 16/1 for Derek Barry and Ray Dawson while the 4/1 favourite Wellmarked could only manage eighth under Ronan Whelan for trainer Paul Fahey.
Winning trainer Jimmy Coogan was represented by his brother Benjy after the race and he said: "He could go for a 50-80 rated handicap at the Curragh now on Oaks weekend.
"He wants seven furlongs or a stiff six furlongs. He has a lot of pace. Leigh said he was tanking down the back straight and he could hardly hold him.
"He is tough and likes that soft to heavy ground."
Theyturnedmedown was purchased for just €2,500 at the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale back in 2009.
(On-course reporting by Gary Carson)
