Grigadale (blue and white cap) © Photo Healy Racing
Grigadale partnered by Leigh Roche, was a 20/1 winner of the second division of the 7f handicap at Listowel.
Fitted with cheekpieces for the first time, the Kodiac gelding kept tabs on the front-running favourite Wee Pablo The latter looked set for victory racing to the final furlong but couldn't sustain his effort and Grigadale got past him in the closing stages.
The winner managed to cling on for victory as Inchiquin Star and Zerinda both finished well with just a short head and a head separating the first three at the line. Wee Pablo was a neck further away in fourth.
Winning trainer Jarlath Fahey said: “That’s our first winner of the year so we are delighted to get it.
“He has a sibling in the sales later this year so it was important to get it for an owner/breeder like Paul Hyland.
“The handicapper was very fair to us and dropped him nicely over his last couple of runs. His form wasn’t working out great this year.
“We were a bit disappointed that we had to go down to a handicap to win with him. We thought he was a horse that would progress and hopefully that will still happen. It’s all important to get a win with him.
“Leigh said he was happy around seven and the ground was as quick as he wanted it. He likes a bit of a cut.”
