Mountmills is driven out by Joseph O'Brien© Photo Healy Racing
Top-weight Mountmills came from last to first as he took the finale at Dundalk, division two of the Dundalk Stadium On Facebook Handicap, under Joseph O'Brien for Tony Mulholland.
Successful over the distance on his last visit to Dundalk in May the son of Iffraaj was well-beaten on his two starts since at Fairyhouse and Leopardstown respectively.
Back on the all-weather this evening he was sent off the well-supported 11/4 favourite having opened at 5/1 last night and from 3/1 on-course.
Slowly away he raced in rear before making progress into mid-division in the early straight.
He came with his challenge between horses a furlong and a half from home and he soon hit the front, keeping on well inside the final furlong to hold off the challenge of Ondamoura by a neck.
The runner-up was sent off a well-backed 9/2 chance (from 13/2 on-course) under Ronan Whelan for Tom Hogan. Mighty Fine completed the placings a short head back in third under Gary Phillips for Noel Dooly.
Tony Mulholland said afterwards: "He's only run twice here and won twice.
"I thought it had gone at the start but they went no gallop which helped him get back into it and Joseph said he loved coming from behind.
"He picked up and galloped to the line. He'd have to come back here. He maybe wants a wee bit of cut in the turf. He'll probably go to the sales."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards requested a report from Anthony Mulholland, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Mountmills, placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that a return to this surface after a break in which he was freshened up coupled with a return to waiting tactics may have brought about any apparent improvement in form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the contents of the report.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
