Blairmayne driven out© Photo Healy Racing
Veteran sprinter Blairmayne brought up his sixth career success in the Barretstown Children´s Charity Handicap at Naas.
The eight-year-old gelding was making his 46th start and was sent off at 8/1 for this extended five furlong test. Diamond Eyes set a searching pace on her first run for 331 days but came back to the field a furlong and a half from home.
Blairmayne and Shane Foley soon swept through to lead on the stands' side and went for home a furlong out. Big Gossey attempted to reel him in but Blairmayne was strong at the finish in drawing two and a quarter lengths clear for trainer Natalia Lupini.
Runner-up Big Gossey was a 12/1 shot and came in a length and a quarter in front of 7/2 favourite Lord Dudley
Foley said: “We went hard and it played to his strengths.
“He didn't really let himself down the last day on the fast ground, he's a bit older and is getting a bit more clever and minding himself a bit.
“He is a grand, genuine horse.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
