There was Laois success over Tipperary at Wexford Racecourse in the final race of an action packed Wednesday.
Strong Link got up to edge out favourite Thedeviluno in a battle that pitched one former Laois hurler against a Tipperary great.
Clonaslee native John Rowney is the owner of the winner while Nicky English, the six time All-Star and two time All-Ireland hurling winner, had to settle for second place.
It was a right battle between the two horses as Thedeviluno led as we approached the final furlong.
But Strong Link was always travelling well and headed him soon after to win by over two lengths.
This win comes off the back of two successes for Rowney with different horses last August and another just last month in Downpatrick.
Speaking to LaoisToday, Rowney said it was nice to see Laois get a win over Tipperary.
He said: “I am delighted to have won this race and I want to thank Ross O’Sullivan the trainer for his excellent work with this horse.
“Nicky English owned the favourite and we both thought we had a chance of winning it.
“Laois bet Tipp for once which doesn’t often happen – Nicky was very gracious afterwards and came to congratulate me.
“I’m delighted with the win and all our horses are going well thank God.”
Speaking to IrishRacing.com, trainer O’Sullivan said that he hopes to continue racing Strong Link during the summer.
He said: “It’s a great local winner because I bought him off Jamie Codd, my brother-in-law.
“Billy, Jamie’s father, bred him and my sister Robyn is here too. He is owned by a good man from Laois, John Rowney.
“He had winter form and he handles a bit of nice ground so it’s lovely to have him.
“He is a nice-moving horse and he’ll stay going once the ground is safe over the summer.”
