Ronan McNally © Photo Healy Racing
The well-backed Petrol Head shortened owner/trainer Ronan McNally’s journey home when landing the 1m7f handicap hurdle at Roscommon last night.
The Armagh handler has landed more than a few gambles in recent years and his six-year-old, who had shortened from 14/1 in the morning, was always prominent and scored readily having been supported from 5/2 into 7/4 favourite before the off. Morning favourite Unanswered, who had won his previous three starts, was withdrawn before racing having been found to be coughing in the stable yard.
Petrol Head had come from off the pace to win on handicap debut over 2m4f at Fairyhouse in November. On that occasion, he was put in at 2/1 first show in the morning before drifting all the way out to an S.P. of 11/1.
In four starts since that victory, the Valirann gelding had been beaten 25 lengths, 110 lengths, 42 lengths and, most recently, 50 lengths in a 1m7f handicap hurdle at Kilbeggan in April which was run on ground similar to last night’s surface.
Mc Nally said afterwards: "He obviously went up to 101 after his last win and he struggled a bit for a few different reasons.
“He went down a bit in the handicap and the handicapper was fair to him. He dropped him 6lb.
“With the favourite coming out, it gave everyone a chance. I don't think the favourite would have been beaten, that was a help.
“Today was the plan and we'll see how we get on now.”
The Stewards enquired into the apparent improvement in form of Petrol Head, trained by Ronan M.P. McNally, placed first, compared with its recent form.
Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that a change of tactics today coupled with an improvement in the form of his yard and a significant non runner today had helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form. Evidence was also heard from Mr. Andrew Shaw, IHRB Handicapper who briefly outlined the previous form of the horse and concluded by adding that todays performance represented a marked improvement somewhere in the region of twenty one pounds.
Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation given.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
