Moonmeister (white face) gets up to beat Spruce Meadow (red and white)© Photo Healy Racing
The Tony Martin trained Moonmeister just prevailed in a bunch finish to the Cork Derby.
Previously trained by Joanna Morgan, Gordon Elliott and John Davison, the well-travelled six-year-old was available at 14/1 last night.
He touched 9s on-course, before going off an 8/1 chance in the colours of owner Adrian Murray.
Last seen finishing seventh of twenty-three in the November Handicap at Leopardstown in October, the bay victor was slow away from the stalls and raced towards rear.
He took closer order and travelled well from the two furlong pole, soon being ridden to challenge. He edged to the front inside the final furlong, and despite being eased a few strides too soon, he was pushed out again in the shadow of the post to win by a neck.
Spruce Meadow finished second under David Simmonson for Johnny Feane at 11/2, while Here For The Craic (14/1) was another head back in third for Wayne Lordan and Ken Budds Mawaany was sent off the 5/2 favourite and he finished a disappointing eighth under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons.
Tony Martin said afterwards: "He was consistent all last year and was unlucky in York but he always had one of those in him.
"We were going to the Curragh a month ago but he just wasn't right and luckily enough they are all coming right now and it was worth the wait.
"He loves that ground and that's his trip and Oisin is a great lad and didn't panic when he jumped slowly out of the stalls. He's is great fella and is going to be one of the top men around I think.
"He can mix it between hurdles and flat for the summer and wants that ground."
The winner is by Mastercraftsman, who is also the sire of Munster Oaks winner Santa Monica
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
