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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Rock Dandy makes all under Powell to win finale at Cork

Wed 30th Aug 2023, 17:42

Rock Dandy and Jamie Powell win the Follow Us On Social Media Handicap Healy Racing Photo Rock Dandy and Jamie Powell win the Follow Us On Social Media Handicap Healy Racing Photo
© Photo Healy Racing

Rock Dandy made all the running under Jamie Powell before just lasting home to take the second division of the Follow Us On Social Media Handicap at Cork.

A 10-race maiden, who had failed to reach the frame before today, the application of first-time blinkers worked a treat on the Pat Murphy trained five-year-old.

Smartly away from stall two, Powell made the most of his low berth, getting across to the rail on a horse that has tended to hang under pressure in the past.

Faced with a strong challenge from Von Krolock deep inside the final furlong, the Dandy Man gelding just had enough in reserve to hold on for a narrow win.

Winning trainer Pat Murphy: "He ran a good race in Roscommon two runs ago when I told Jamie (Powell) to give him a little breather because I thought seven (furlongs) might stretch him. Afterwards Jamie felt he should have stayed going on him so stuck to that plan today.

"The blinkers kept him honest and got the extra bit out of him.

"We're hoping he can build confidence now and win again."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.

1st
8/1
Tote €9.50 €2.60
2nd
nose
20/1
€5.10
3rd
1.75L
10/1
€2.60
4th
1L
14/1
€4.10
bf
2.5L
6/1Fav
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.