McJohn clinches victory in the Calphormin Nursery Handicap

Trained by Michael O'Callaghan, Tommy McJohn overcame a weight disadvantage to clinch victory in the Calphormin Nursery Handicap at Naas.

After finishing as runner-up in his first two maiden starts, the Mehmas gelding had a slightly disappointing outing last month, finishing mid-division at Cork. However, equipped with first-time blinkers, the 10/3 favourite stayed on strongly under Dylan Browne McMonagle, taking the lead close to the finish and winning by one-and-a-half lengths over El Fontenaro.

The race unfolded with the field splitting into two groups, with the eventual winner racing on the stands' side while the runner-up led the charge on the far rail.

Winning trainer Michael O'Callaghan commented, “Dylan mentioned that Tommy got quite unbalanced at one point and was glad to have the rail. He said he was gaining again at the line, but he wouldn’t rush to step him up to six furlongs. He believes a good, stiff five is his distance, and he would appreciate a bit more ease in the ground, as he changed his legs a lot and felt it a little.”

Regarding the weight carried, O'Callaghan noted, “In a nursery, the top-weight is usually the best horse at this time of year. He’s a small horse and did well to carry that weight. Dylan rode him very well.”

When asked about a potential return for the Birdcatcher, he added, “He's a possibility, especially since Dylan mentioned he prefers easier ground, but we won't rush him to six furlongs. We might look for another five-furlong nursery instead.”