Tashman (black and white) and Gary Carroll just outpoint Lyrical Attraction (pink and blue)© Photo Healy Racing
Gavin Cromwell’s Dazzling Darren just came out the wrong side of a photo-finish in the fifth, but he was happier after the following race when Tashman (11/1) rallied well for Gary Carroll ( a double on the evening after Indicative Vote in the fourth) to take division one of the Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers Handicap.
Always handy, the ex-Dermot Weld trained dual purpose performer was headed at the furlong pole by Lyrical Attraction (6/1), but found plenty under pressure to thwart that one by a short head. The principals got close inside the final furlong as the winner edged left, but he kept the race after a stewards’ enquiry. Moving Forward (11/2) was another two and a half lengths back in third, with the 9/2 favourite Laura Bullion finishing fifth.
It was a maiden success under either code for the winner.
“He pulled up with me in front, but really responded well when he was headed” said the winning rider Gary Carroll.
"It was a long time coming but I'm delighted he's won for the lads (Sams Snug Syndicate) after they'd persevered with him," said winning trainer Gavin Cromwell.
"He's a real good work horse at home. He hasn't brought that to the track though."
Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
