Sharp Focus and Killian Leonard (centre) bag another Killarney win© Photo Healy Racing
Sharp Focus (5/2 favourite) gained a second win over Killarney’s mile in the Dawn Hi Lo Milk Handicap.
An eye-catcher at Leopardstown on Saturday when fifth, John Murphy’s charge stepped forward nicely but was made work for his success.
A clear pace-setter for much, Summer’s Dream wouldn’t go down without a fight.
However Killian Leonard got the maximum out of Sharp Focus inside the final furlong to win by half a length.
On her second start for County Limerick-based handler, Eoin McCarthy, Fascinating Spirit ran well at odds of 50/1 to finish third, two and a quarter lengths back.
"He's a great horse and did it nicely; he ran a lovely race in Leopardstown the last day but the trip might have been a little short for him and he was caught for toe early on and stayed on," said Murphy's son George.
"He might go to Galway next - we'll see how he comes out of this first."
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Emperor Bob trained by Peter Fahey, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
D.E. Sheehy, rider of Stocai Ban trained by Thomas Gibney, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was very slowly away from the stalls.
(TW & EM)
