Aklan maintains Oxx’s fine record

Curragh trainer John Oxx landed the listed Lenebane Stakes for the fourth time in five years in Roscommon last night as 12/1 shot Aklan held the late surge of the Michael Halford-trained favourite Massiyn, also owned by the Aga Khan, by a short-head in a thrilling blanket-finish.

Oxx’s Handazan (Niall McCullagh) set the pace, despite struggling to act on the tight track, before being passed by the Ben Curtis-ridden winner with two furlongs to race. Dangers loomed large.

But Aklan, wearing a tongue-tie for the first time, was holding on bravely before Johnny Murtagh extricated 9/4 favourite Massiyn from traffic problems.