Cuban Grey triumphs at Tipperary

The Cuban Grey trained by Patrick McKenna battled valiantly from more than a furlong away to move up late and win the final Racing Again Tomorrow Handicap at Tipperary, despite not being able to assume his typical prominent position.

Make Clear was fast off the starting line on the far side of the race, while Coco Hill and Shoebox King were closer to the front on the stands side.

A furlong out, Improving far side and Cuban Grey both presented their challenges as the three raced for the lead. In the last furlong, the former gained the upper hand on the far fence, but Cuban Grey discovered untapped stamina reserves to lead in the closing steps.

Patrick McKenna said: "He is coming to himself and we knew it was in him, as Joey (Sheridan) assured me. As the song goes, it's a long way to Tipperary, especially from our house, but it was worth the three-and-a-half-hour trip. Joey didn't want to push him early on and I thought he was in trouble but he said he picked up going to the line and that's what you want. He is a lovely horse and we just buy low-grade horses and try to improve them a bit. He has come to himself and hopefully can win another one. He wants those fast tracks as he has a bit of speed."