Tribal Path in front as the line looms© Photo Healy Racing
Bottom-weight Tribal Path made every yard a winning one for trainer Damian English in Leopardstown's seven furlong handicap.
Donagh O'Connor had poached a three length lead before getting after him outside the two pole. He was ridden to go and win his race a furlong and a half down.
The six-year-old gelding boxed on in the final furlong as the closers started to get into top gear. It was Bainne who burst from the pack in the closing stages to keep Tribal Path (7/1) more than honest.
He was all out to hold Bainne who kept reducing the margin all the way to the line but went down by half a length at 14/1.
Damian English said: “He's tough out and a big genuine horse.
“I had a chat with Donagh going out and he said if he pings the gates he would let him cross to the rails as it's cut up everywhere and he would save ground. It was the right call.
“If he wins again we might bring him to Chester. If he got a good draw it might be worth the trip but I'd say he would need to win again to get in.”
Jockey Donagh O'Connor said: "He's been phenomenal, that's four for the year so he has been an unbelievable asset for Damian and myself. I was on him for every winner he got for the year.
"He's phenomenally tough as well. He's game the whole way to the line. He's a dream ride to be honest. You can ride him any way.
"My lad just idled a small bit in front and he was just always doing enough. I think Damian was saying the plan might be to go to Chester if he wins another one. Chester will suit him as well, soft ground around tight bends and wing around in front.
"I have one left on the 7lb claim. If it all goes well for the next few months and I get lucky and I do ride a couple of winners sure we'll have a go at the apprentice title but as I said we'll have to see how it goes."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
