Lemon tops Murt's superb night at Clonmel with Produce victory

LEMON JOEY got it right on the big night to claim the €20,000 Carrick Aldo @ Stud National Produce Stakes final over 525 yards at Clonmel.

Trained by Murt Leahy for the Short-Back-And-Side-Syndicate, the winner was sent off 9/4 and tasted big-race glory having been a beaten favourite in last year's National Puppy Stake at Shelbourne Park then a semi-finalist this time around in the Tote Gold Cup there and Kirby Memorial at Limerick.

As expected, Flashing Saffron (2/1F) got to the front fairly early but she never looked in control and always prominent Lemon Joey duly pounced on the run-in to power past for a two lengths success in 28.60sec with outsider Tetra Destiny half a length back in third.

It was a second victory in the Classic for Leahy who had previously landed the Produce Stakes with Ballybough Mondo fully ten years ago in 2015.

And to cap a superb night, Leahy also took the Produce consolation with Sawdust Chaps (28.57sec).