Togoville (far side) beats Smoker© Photo Healy Racing
Togoville prevailed after a thrilling finish to the concluding Hibernia Steel Race, giving trainer Pat Martin a double at Laytown today. Moonbi Creek had travelled up to lead with three to run in the seven furlong contest but was tackled either side by Smoker and Togoville at the two pole.
That pair battled it out with over a furlong to run and it was Togoville on the near side who got on top close home to record a half-length victory, under Declan Lavery.
The 7/1 winner had been well held on his last two outings but had previously been a winner at Roscommon in July.
The runner-up was sent off 7/2 joint favourite.
The other market leader Usa finished fourth after racing prominently to three furlongs out.
Martin's other winner, Our Max in the earlier maiden, is also a grey and the winning trainer said:- “I’ll have to get more grey horses! I was really happy with him as he’d been working well with Our Max.
“He had a bit to find (off a rating of 65) but had form over seven furlongs and current form.
“This place is a bit of a novelty for horses and they either like it or they don’t.” (Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
