Toughari wins in authoritative fashion© Photo Healy Racing
Toughari served up a 14/1 surprise, in first-time blinkers, in the first division of the extended mile and five handicap at Fairyhouse.
He was held up in rear by Joe Doyle who asked him for his effort three furlongs out. Toughari answered the call and soon stormed into contention along the stands' side rail.
He was ridden into the lead with a furlong and a half to go and kept on strongly for a clear-cut victory.
The winning margin was recorded at six lengths and it was Fujimoto Flyer the 5/2 favourite, who took minor honours by half a length from the gambled-on Custers Mistake (5/1).
This gave trainer Tom Mullins and owner Mrs Helen Mullins an across-the-card double as Rock Chica delivered for them in Tipperary.
Tom Mullins said: “Shane Foley rode him in Roscommon and said to put a pair of blinkers on him, go out in trip and he’ll win.
“Then a hurdle race came up in Killarney and it didn’t work out as the favourite wandered about and frightened my lad.
“He loved the ground and was showing enough at home to win at that level.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
