Convergence and Gary Carroll (yellow/purple) hold on from Tested and Leigh Roche© Photo Healy Racing
Winner of his maiden over the course and distance, and a close up last of the three here in the Tyros to Gleneagles last July, Convergence (11/2) showed his prowess over Leopardstown's seven furlongs again in the Group 3 Ballycorus Stakes.
Owner Vincent Gaul and trainer Ger Lyons took this prize back in 2006 with An Tadh, and the Glenburnie handler was doubly represented on this occasion with Cappella Sansevero (ended up 6th of the 7) representing Qatar Racing Limited under Colin Keane.
However there was no living with Convergence, from the front, in the hands of Gary Carroll, although the game seemed up for him and the rest when the favourite Tested loomed up cantering in the final quarter mile.
Try as that Selkirk filly might, under Leigh Roche, there was no getting by Convergence, who came out on top by a neck.
Bringing up a double for the Lyons yard, after Cape Wolfe s win earlier under Colin Keane, it was Ger's brother Shane that stated: "We always say we're delighted with that but we're definitely delighted with that!
"This was always the plan with him. He was in the Jersey and Vincent said to us 'it's your call but I'd rather win at Leopardstown than finish fourth or fifth in the Jersey.'
"I'm delighted for Vincent and Geraldine, they are dream owners and have been with us from day one. They always have three or four with us every year and take the bad news as easy as the good.
"They won this race before with An Tadh (in 2006).
"He has a massive heart and loves this ground. Colin said he could have gone even quicker. A mile will be no problem to him and there is plenty more to come.
"He ran really well on slow ground in the Guineas, considering he wants it lightening quick."
(GC & EM)
