Grey horse Rocky's Silver takes a fence under Conor Orr© Photo Healy Racing
The go to man when it comes to making punting pay at Tramore, James Dullea delivered again as his only runner on today’s card at the seaside venue, Rocky’s Silver, took the Waterford & Tramore Directors Handicap Chase.
On his handicap debut the grey was very popular at the track, hardening from 7/2 into 9/4 favourite on the back of a Limerick maiden hurdle success nearly a fortnight ago.
In this near two and three quarter miler, Rocky’s Silver did everything right, though Seskin Flyer (eventually 3rd) had every chance when pecking badly two out.
Rocky’s Silver soon asserted under Conor Orr, and though a little awkward at the last the five-year-old still ran out a convincing four and a half length winner from The Horsechestnut.
"That's great and Conor gave him a great ride. It was a surprise the last day but we were expecting to him run very well today and he jumped very well on the whole bar the last," said Dullea.
"We are lucky around here so that was probably a help as well. Every winner we have means the world to us.
"He is owned by David Kiely (who is an undertaker) from Dungarvan, and it's great to get a winner for a local at his local track. Depending on the handicapper he might come back here on New Year's Day.
"We target Tramore as our horses operate around the track and the programme here suits low grade horses. We'd love to be in the likes of Leopardstown as well but there is no point in bringing low grade horses to Leopardstown."
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that It Has To Be trained by Gavin Cromwell was found to have blood at the nose following exercised induced pulmonary haemorrhage.
(DM & EM)
