Walking On Glass goes clear of his rivals under Gary Halpin© Photo Healy Racing
Linger was all the rage for the Troytown Bar Handicap, but ultimately he couldn't cope with the Padraig Roche trained Walking On Glass
After winning at Gowran ten days ago, Linger went off the 5/6 favourite this afternoon, with Walking On Glass, who was making his debut in handicap company, sent off at 20s (from 25s).
Having shown little on his first three starts on the level, the four-year-old victor was then sent over flights, with his best effort coming at Cork in December when tenth of twenty-three behind Maze Runner.
Settled behind the leaders by Gary Halpin, the Fivers & Tenners Syndicate owned gelding was switched to the inner to challenge from the two furlong pole.
He was ridden to lead with over a furlong to race and soon shot clear, going on to score easily by two and three parts of a length.
Linger, who led from early in the straight, had no answer once headed, and had to settle for second. Aasleagh Fawn (33/1) completed the places in third, another half a length back under Rory Cleary for Gavin Cromwell.
"He hasn't showed a lot in maidens but it's greatly appreciated when they come," said Halpin.
"Padraig does a good job and the step up in trip did him the world of good. The ease in the ground helped him as well.
"Where he goes from here is up to Padraig but he's a grand small fun horse. He gave the boys their day out, which is what they wanted, and anything after that is a bonus. They'll enjoy him anyway whatever they get out of him."
STEWARDS REPORT
N.M. Crosse, rider of Shake The Bucket trained by Niall Madden, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got no luck in running.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
