Genuine Article rewards patience of connections

Genuine Article went one better than last year when making most to land the Rockshore Refreshingly Irish Handicap at Galway this afternoon.

The Gerry Keane-trained gelding found Grey Leader half a length too good in this extended mile event last year and benefitted today from a very positive ride by Seamie Heffernan.

The 11/2 shot made most of the running and after asserting on the home bend, kept on strongly inside the final furlong to beat course specialist Imposing Supreme by three lengths. Titanium was a further length and a half back in third with Pink Oxalis completing the places in fourth.

Keane said, "It has been a long time coming for this horse after we bought him, as we thought he'd have won before now and we thought he'd win here last year. He was a bit disappointing overall but the key to him is a cut in the ground.

"He was proven on this track, which was a big help and Seamie spoke to Colin (Keane, jockey son who is currently suspended) who said to ride him forwards. Colin picked out this horse to buy so he'll be delighted.

"He had a grand run in Naas the last day and it left him spot on and everything worked out today."

Heffernan said, “He ran well here last year but has been a little bit disappointing. The owners are patient and Gerry thought he had him right.

“Colin rang me this morning and said be good and positive. His work is strong.

“It’s important to get a position here and if you end up in front you can control things. It’s a hard hill to get up so you have to know when to kick.”

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes