Joanna Morgan's Merisi Diamond held off a determined challenge from Mercurial to secure victory in the RoscommonRacecourse.ie Handicap, run over an extended seven furlongs.
Ronan Whelan urged Merisi Diamond ahead a furlong and a half from the finish, but Mercurial, ridden by Seamie Heffernan, rallied strongly in the final furlong in an attempt to close the gap.
Merisi Diamond, sent off at 9/2, responded well to Whelan’s urging, crossing the line half a length ahead of Mercurial, who was priced at 9/1. Mercurial finished eight lengths clear of the third-placed Orandi, the 5/2 favourite.
Whelan commented: "His previous run at Curragh was a bit sharp for him after a long layoff, but it likely put him in good shape for today’s race. He was suited by the conditions and the race set up perfectly for him. When the conditions are right, he’s a consistent performer. There’s usually a reason if things haven’t gone his way before. He’s a big, scopey horse, and I believe there’s more to come from him. This victory should put him back on track for even better things ahead."