Prolific winner Famous Name clung on to nail his 10th course victory in the Heritage Stakes at Leopardstown.
The line came just in time for Dermot Weld’s ultra-consistent seven-year-old, who was all out to hold the unlucky Sharestan by a head to make it six successes at Listed level.
Pat Smullen got first run on the 9-10 shot, setting sail for home a furlong and a half out down the outside, and the tactics paid off as Sharestan got blocked in towards the rail early in the straight. He made up several lengths in the final furlong, but it was all too late.
Weld’s son, Kris, said: “The trainer is in China, but I’ve relayed that to him. Pat said you’ll see dramatic improvement for that run.
“We’ll follow the same route as last year and hopefully pick up that elusive Group One. There’s lots to look forward to.”
Weld and Smullen went on to a double when Olfa (5-1) took the FM104’s Strawberry Alarm Clock Handicap by a length and a quarter.
The Andrew Tinkler colours were carried to an eyecatching victory by Royal Diamond (14-1) in the Leopardstown Leap On Facebook Handicap.
Johnny Murtagh got an impressive response when he pressed the button on the Tommy Carmody-trained six-year-old, who scorched clear and won eased down by four and three-quarter lengths.
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