Brendan Brackan and Gary Carroll© Photo Healy Racing
Ger Lyons saddled a 1-2 in the Listed Glencairn Stakes as Brendan Brackan (Gary Carroll) led home Elusive Heights (Colin Keane) at Leopardstown.
Carroll kicked for home from the front into the straight.
The 7/2 shot soon had his rivals on the stretch and it was stable companion Elusive Heights (7/1) that finished best of the rest but he was still three and a half lengths down at the line.
Favourite Making Light was half a length back in third.
"We had Tennessee Heights and Elusive Heights earmarked for this all along and when the rain was coming we decided we'd go with Brendan," said Lyons.
"Colin had the choice and with good ground we'd always go with the other horse. I said 'just don't rock the boat and we'll stay with it.'
"We had every intention, if the rain came, that Elusive Heights wouldn't run. When we walked the track we said it's not that bad and we'd take our chance with him.
"It's worked out. You don't like beating yourself but it's a high class problem and I'm delighted for the team.
"He's been a great old servant for the yard and for Gary Carroll. He owes us all nothing.
"It'll be more making it up as we go along with him and end up down in Cork for a Listed race.
"When we step him up to Group 2 we are in trouble so we'll stay listed and Group 3.
"In a yard like ours we need that and we're lucky to have the horses in the yard so we can have runners in races like this. If the big ones don't turn up we'll pick up the pieces.
"The other horse ran a blinder and he will get further, which is good. He's a stakes horse and it was a great first run back so it's all positive. We'll have a look at ten furlongs with him.
"Mrs Patino (owner of Elusive Heights) bred the winner and won with him initially so she'll be delighted."
(GC & EM)
