Bangalore Diamond (left) prevailed from Richelieu at Laytown© Photo Healy Racing
Favourite backers are having a good evening at Laytown and Bangalore Diamond became the third winning 'jolly' in five races when capturing the O'Neills Sports Handicap under Colin Keane (his first winner here on his first evening riding at the fixture).
After wins for Damian English's Enigma Code in the first and Ado McGuinness' Toufan Express in the third, there was further local cheer here as Stamullen, County Meath trainer Tom McCourt's Bangalore Diamond got the better of an exciting duel with Richelieu from the two furlong pole, crossing the line three parts of a length in front. The pair left Gatamalata six and a half lengths behind in third.
"He never does anymore than he has to. I think that's the furthest he's won by yet – he loves a battle.
"If there wasn't something there to take him on he'd only have done enough to have beaten the rest of the field.
"He's a nice tough horse and he likes doing things the hard way.
"He's (Colin Keane) very strong. Especially on a horse like that, that needs a bit of stoking – he's very effective," reflected McCourt in the aftermath. (GC & EM)
