ARCHIE LANDS VALUABLE PRIZE AT SHELBOURNE

Ian Fortune

Not for the first time, Murt Leahy and Gavin O’Mahoney shared a good success when Storys Archie came home in front in the valuable final of the This Runs Deep A2 525 at Shelbourne Park on Friday evening.

After two impressive performances in the early rounds, Newinn Nifty was a warm favourite but she missed the kick and was always struggling to get involved. In contrast, her kennel companion Nitro Anto set a strong pace but he could never quite put the race to bed.

We All Matter got first run at the leader but never really looked like getting to the leader. Instead, Storys Archie, who moved third on the bend, began to close as they hit the third turn. Moving second between the last two bends, Storys Archie was left with room to make his move off the final turn as Nitro Anto drifted wide.

Despite showing signs of fatigue himself, Storys Archie (Droopys Buick/ Foyle Lucy) joined and headed Nitro Anto on the run in to land the €2,200 prize by a neck in 29.17. Ballymac Runner ran on late to take third a further two lengths adrift.