Robertstown, blinkers, holds on in Naas© Photo Healy Racing
There was a tremendous finish to the mile and a half handicap in Naas as three horses strained their necks for the line. It was Robertstown at 8/1 who prevailed by a short head.
This success gave Godolphin a Naas treble as Endless Time and Tribal Beat took earlier honours. It also brought up a treble for Tribal Beat's trainer Jim Bolger who also saddled Al Mohalhal to win the Birdcatcher.
The three-year-old colt was never far from the pace and was ridden in fourth by Rory Cleary as the race unfolded at the two furlong marker.
He made relentless progress in the final furlong to edge into a narrow lead with 100 yards to go. Noble Inn delivered a strong challenge on his outer in the closing stages and Macnicholson thundered home down the outside.
Once the judge studied the photo, Robertstown came out on the right side by a short head from Macnicholson (14/1) with 11/8 favourite Noble Inn a very close third.
Jim Bolger said: "He's a gutsy fella and hard to beat in a finish. He's versatile ground-wise. He should make a good hurdler and I think he is going to be in the black colours (trained by John Ferguson)."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
