Royal County gains the Glory over seven Royal County Glory appreciated the step up to seven furlongs to open his account in the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap at Dundalk. Methgal made most of the running and appeared the likely winner at the furlong pole, but Julian Pietropaolo got a great tune out of Royal County Glory inside the final 150 yards. The Kevin Smith-trained 100/30 favourite really knuckled down in the closing stages to get up for a three-quarters of a length success with Cosmic Force also coming home well another length and a half back in third. Pietropaolo said, "He did (stay the trip well). "He broke sharply and they went along a nice gallop, and I was just trying to keep him comfortable for as long as I could. He came home to a good effect. "I did (get shelter from the leader), there's a very strong headwind out there tonight, so it all helped. "He was tough and Kevin Smith did a great job of getting him ready. He looked fantastic in the paddock. "He has been consistent; he has been in the top places." Quotes by Michael Graham
