Just nine went to post for the www.countysligoraces.com Claiming Race with the Shane Donohoe trained Royal Intruder holding off all challengers to score under Fran Berry.
Having run a great race last time out to finish just over two lengths fourth to the smart Jamsie at Fairyhouse, the 6yo was sent off at the surprisingly generous odds of 7/1.
Recording his sixth career win today, the son of Royal Applause, hadn't won since October of 2009 in Kempton. In fact all of his wins before today had come in England, including the one race he won when trained by Richard Hannon back in 2007.
Today he tracked the leaders early on before moving into second over two furlongs out. He moved into the lead over a furlong from home and stayed on well under pressure.
His lead was diminished inside the final furlong by Darasal Wane (who was backed from 6/1 into 4/1 on track) but he was never going to peg the winner back, going down by half a length at the line under Willie Supple.
The 5/2 favourite Footprint who was backed from 7/2 this morning, finished a further length and a half back in third for Pat Martin with Andrew Thornton aboard.
Winning trainer Shane Donohoe said afterwards: "He is one of those horses that once he is dropped by the handicapper, he has his chance. The handicapper has been quite hard on him for some of his wins.
"He was quite keen today and got to the front too soon.
"Hopefully he won’t be claimed now."
Footprint who had a claiming price of €8,000 was claimed by trainer James Nash after the race with his bid of €10,765 accepted by connections of the favourite.
Donal Murphy
