Naoise hits the front in Leopardstown© Photo Healy Racing
Naoise delivered for Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning in the ‘Heathers’ Handicap over Leopardstown’s mile.
He was held up in rear of the eight runners by Manning and was still nearer last than first as they straightened for home. It was clear though that he was starting to motor down the outside and he readily picked off Have A Nice Day to win going away by a length and three parts at 4/1.
Roscommon winner Have A Nice Day (3/1jf) lost second place to Sretaw by a neck. Sretaw, the other 3/1 joint favourite, was a length and three parts adrift of Naoise.
“He’ll probably go to Gowran on Sunday with a 5lb penalty. He’ll be going to the July sales in Newmarket. He’s very versatile and will stay further,” Jim Bolger said.
This was Naoise’s first turf victory. He won two races on the polytrack in 2012.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
