Your Pal Tal and Ronan Whelan have their Curragh rivals held© Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Johnny Levins could be seen beside the track willing his charge home in the closing stages, and his hopes for a win came to pass as My Pal Tal (8/1) and Ronan Whelan gained the day in the TRM Supporting Global Champions Handicap at the Curragh.
Gambled-on favourite Ducky Mallon created much of the pre-race chat, but he could manage no better than fifteenth place.
However, Your Pal Tal didn't go un-backed either, and he soon led. Pushed along and two lengths clear a furlong out, he was ridden and kept on well inside the final furlong for a length and a half success over I Will Excel
"It's good to have him back. I wasn't really happy with him to be honest. He has been a bit lazy at home and his work has just been okay," said Levins.
"I hadn't run him in a while and was hoping the track would spark him into life.
"Ronan said he felt well but not at his best and hopefully this can rejuvenate him. Sometimes with these old horses when you get their heads in front they can go on again. We'll persevere with him.
"The plan was just to try and get him right. We'll see how he comes out of the race now."
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Ducky Mallon, trained by Donal Kinsella, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
L.F. Roche, rider of Party Angel trained by D. K. Weld, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost it's action behind.
O.J. Orr, rider of End Play trained by Aidan Anthony Howard, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount reared in the stalls and missed the break.
(GC & EM)
