Rockshandy and Moira McElligott © Photo Healy Racing
Moira McElligott was the star of the show in the Eventus Beginners Chase at Galway this evening when giving Rockshandy a fine front-running ride to claim victory in the 2m6f contest.
The 7lb claiming amateur got a great tune out of the Anshan gelding as he jumped well at the head of affairs.
Paddy Neville's charge had his rivals in trouble as he cleared the last and the 14/1 shot was kept going by McElligott on the run-in to pull clear and record a six-length success.
6/5 favourite Minella For Value kept on under pressure to take the runner-up spot in the closing stages but never looked like getting to the winner.
Rockshandy had some decent chase form last summer but was coming into today's race off the back of a poor run over hurdles at Ballinrobe last month and he had also been pulled up on his last chase start at Limerick back in May.
“He had ability going back but we couldn't get him right,” revealed Neville afterwards.
“We did a lot of beach work with him and we knew he was fairly right coming here. He was very disappointing over hurdles the last day but he's a chaser.
“He's entered in the handicap chase at Listowel on Sunday and will probably run if he gets in.
“I'm delighted for Moira who was unlucky last night.”
McElligott had looked an unlucky loser on Killcara Boy in the handicap chase on the card last night after her mount blundered at the third last and she did well to recover after losing her irons.
Killcara Boy eventually finished third in a tight finish having disputed turning for home.
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
