Phoenix Arizona successfully reverts to fences in Ballinrobe Handicap-debutant Phoenix Arizona wore down Farrokh in the closing stages to land race seven at Ballinrobe for John Cullen. The 9/1 shot made ominous headway in pursuit of Farrokh before two out and came to tackle the leader over the last. He finished the better of the two once he collared that rival half-way up the run-in and went on by two and a half lengths from the 9/1 runner-up. Lady Doyanne (9/2f) and Claude (11/1) came home third and fourth respectively. Jockey Thomas O'Connor said: "He'd been knocking on the door over hurdles at Sligo, and when John said he was going chasing, I was delighted, because he's a fine, big horse and this is his game. "They went hard up front and I was happy to settle in behind them. He got into a lovely rhythm and I knew the ones in front wouldn't be able to sustain that gallop. "He stays further and saw it out well. I think he can win another one or two over fences. "I was busy this evening and that's my fifth winner of the season. "I'm with Mark Fahey five days a week and Eoin McCarthy another day, so two good yards to be in." This was his second run over fences having finished unplaced in a beginners' chase at Kilbeggan in May. Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
