Roscommon horse owner enjoys Leopardstown win
Damian Tiernan experienced his first victory at Leopardstown when Saint Le Fort claimed the Race And Stay At Leopardstown Handicap Hurdle on Monday last. Picture: Leopardstown Racecourse.
Elphin’s Damian Tiernan enjoyed a Bank Holiday weekend to remember as the horse he owns, Saint Le Fort claimed victory at Leopardstown on Monday last.
This was Tiernan’s first time to experience a victory at Leopardstown as Saint Le Fort won the Race And Stay At Leopardstown Handicap Hurdle on Monday last.
Small Town Hero led the field from early but as they turned into the home straight Savante and the Philip Fenton-trained Saint Le Fort took up the challenge.
Savante opened a two-length gap going over the final flight, but Saint Le Fort (10-1) would not give in and laid down his challenge on the inside rail to win by a head in the hands of Niall Moore.
After the race Tiernan told Race Ownership, Horse Racing Ireland that Saint Le Fort’s victory was a proud moment for everyone involved.
“It is an unbelievable experience. I don’t know how to describe how it ended up coming up the straight with the two of them. I didn’t think we were getting there and suddenly it just stretched its neck out. That horse has certainly earned its keep for life.
“My first win here in Leopardstown and hopefully the first of many. We are new into it, 12 to 18 months at it.
“To have a day out in Leopardstown is fantastic. I can’t wait to get back to Punchestown, we might have one or two there and of course we have Cheltenham in the middle of it, so it is an exciting time. It is brilliant.”
