Gusty Rocky (Roger Loughran) is clear at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Gusty Rocky returned to form to land the featured Coral.ie Jack Duggan Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Gowran Park.
The Pat Flynn-trained gelding was recording his fifth career victory but was tackling this three miles trip for the first time.
Roger Loughran replaced Mark Enright, who injured his back in a fall at Down Royal yesterday evening, and he sent the King’s Theatre gelding to the front early in the straight before drawing clear for a very convincing win.
The 12/1 chance was eight lengths clear of Steamboat Bill at the line, with Massini’s Trap a further three quarters of a length back in third.
The Warren Greatrex-trained Alzammaar could find no extra after the penultimate flight and eventually finished seventh.
Flynn said, “I was disappointed with his last few runs over hurdles. I think he twisted himself last year and lost a bit of confidence but he’s been schooling well at home.
“That was his first time over three miles and I thought he’d get the trip. He can go for anything from two and a half miles up, and we could aim at a staying handicap in Galway. He likes good ground.”
