Claiming King Rocky lands fifth win of the year The admirable veteran Rocky's Howya landed his fifth success of the campaign when making all under Kevin Healy to win the opening Knockcroghery Claiming Hurdle at Roscommon. With three of those previous victories coming in claiming company, the Declan Queally trained 10-year-old proved himself one of the leading horses in this grade by adding a fourth win here. His other victory this term came in a handicap chase at Limerick. Sent straight to the front from flag fall, the Mrs Margaret C Kiely owned 15/8f made every yard of the running. Clear before three out, the gelding stayed on in dour fashion to post a nine-length success. “That was good. He’s had a grand campaign. When I saw the race, a three-miler claimer, it was perfect for him,” said Queally. “Any time he goes back into open company he’s not able for it. He’s at that level now. He’s nearly 11 and he’s finding things more difficult. “To be fair to the Cody horse he wasn’t getting away from him, they were tired. “It’s grand to be able to run him in races like that, he’s not going to last forever and thankfully he’s paying his way. He’s had a good year and has a lot of ones beside his name. “He might go to Galway on the Sunday for the three-mile handicap but again he probably won’t be good enough. The owner might be want a day out there. “We’re having good fun with him and he’s been a good servant. “It think these claiming races are great for trainers that are up against it with horses that are too highly handicapped. “You’re prepared to spin the bottle and take a chance. The next thing with him would be rehoming him as a riding horse so at least we can keep running him. “They should throw in a couple of more claimers, Gordon (Elliott) likes them, I like them and Denis Hogan likes them.” Quotes by Gary Carson.
