Fallon enjoys Settigano success

Kieren Fallon showed he has lost none of his finesse in the saddle with a last-to-first success aboard Settigano in the Guinness Handicap at Listowel.

Michael Fitzgerald’s four-year-old was struggling to go the pace at halfway, with Fallon rowing along at the back of the field on the well-supported 3-1 favourite.

Pat Smullen made a bold bid for home turning into the straight on Bawaader and appeared to have the race sewn up.

However, Fallon’s mount picked up in grand style inside the final furlong, going away to win by two and a half lengths.

Crooked Throw stuck on for third, a further length and three-quarters adrift.

“You wouldn’t have thought he would get there down the far side,” said Fitzgerald.

“But he’s genuine and just takes time to get into his stride. It looks like he’ll get further judged on today’s performance.

“I’ve no plans for him but its nice to win a big pot at a Festival.

“Kieren wasn’t worried, he said they went too fast and he was always confident he was going to get there.”