SHANE Kelly had a night to remember at Dundalk, as both his mounts on the eight-race programme won, at combined odds of nearly 35/1.
Kelly began on Aggression (11/2), owned and trained by his boss, Michael O’Callaghan, in the Dundalk Stadium - Light Up Your Night Handicap.
Big outsider, Master Bond (50/1), was the one to get closest to the now dual five-furlong Dundalk victor. O’Callaghan’s runner was a convincing length and three-quarters to the good at the line.
Aggression edged to his left inside the last, where Master Bond, and third and fourth home, Danz Gift and Sahreej, were slightly impeded. Master Bond, a recent 5,000 guineas buy, performed well in a first-time hood.
“He probably idled a bit when he got to the front. That was only his fourth run though. He had a run about a month and a half ago and ran well. He had a good blow with me then so he was bound to come on from it,” said Kelly.
An hour later the Kelly brace was complete, after the Gerard Jude Murphy-owned, and Tom Cleary-trained, Super Focus (9/2), gained the day in the Ireland v England Stable Staff Soccer Match 2016 (Newmarket) Handicap.
Kelly flagged up the possibility that he might ride at 2lb overweight here. He duly did, but it made no difference, as his mount shed her maiden tag at the 13th attempt, by three-quarters of a length from Honor Oak.
Cleary had an interesting tale to tell in the aftermath, stating: “It’s nice for the owner as this is his first horse. He won €6.3 million on the lotto last August. I met him in Galway and he asked me if I would get him a horse.
“Lads were advising him to spend big money but I said I’d get him a little handicapper and he’d have good fun.’’
“He’s never enjoyed anything as much as that and got a great kick from it. He’s from Kilmaine (in Mayo) so he grew up in the same place as me.”
The 10lb apprentice Calvin Gavin was advised that he must be seen to make more of an effort in the future after his ride on the seventh home, Coach Bombay. He was also found to be in breach of Rule 213 by failing to report at the first instance that his mount had lost his action and was suspended for one day.
It was pleasing night for the Clearys, as Tom’s son Rory won race two on the card, the Floodlit Friday Nights Rated Race, aboard Grougha Stables Limited’s Red Avenger (16/1).
A 14,000 guineas purchase at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale last month, and having his first start for the Damian English yard, the War Front six-year-old came home in front by three-quarters of a length and a neck from Reckless Lad and The Mouse Doctor.
“I can’t take too much credit as I only have him less than a month,” said English. “I bought him in Newmarket and Gaelic Bloodstock gave me good advice. It’s the most money I’ve ever spent on a horse over at that sale so I’m glad it’s worked out.”
“It’s nice to get a winner for Luca (Somaini) who is a good owner,” said winning trainer Tracey Collins’ sister, Sheena, after Meetyouatthemoon (6/1) prevailed under Ronan Whelan in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden (Plus 10 Race). She’s done what she had to do for this year and she’ll go home now,” added Miss Collins, after the victorious Excelebration filly scored by a neck from favourite, Sharp Defence.
In his own colours, Bill Farrell’s Stronger Than Me (11/2) continued his fruitful career at the age of eight, with victory in the featured New Years Eve Greyhound Racing At Dundalk Stadium Handicap.
“He deserved to win one,” remarked Farrell. Pat Smullen had just guided Stronger Than Me to a length and a quarter win over Political Policy (currently tied on eight wins, with Shake The Bucket, as the most successful horse at Dundalk).Billy Lee did a good job of settling him, in fairness. Every day I talk about retiring him and I’m never quite sure where I’m going with him,” Farrell added.
Despite unappealing form figures, Dancing Doll (16/1) hadn’t gone without promise before and she enjoyed the mile and a half trip in the www.dundalkstadium.com Maiden.
Tony Martin hasn’t been slow about spotting the talent of 5Ib claimer, Oisin Orr, and he registered a length success on the Newtown Anner Stud Farm Ltd-owned and bred Dancing Doll.
“Oisin is great value for his 5lb. She’s won a race now for breeding for the man that has her. I don’t know whether he’ll cover her now or what he’ll do with her,” explained Martin.
Connections and backers of Bomber Jackson must still be wondering how he got beat in the Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Championship Handicap (division one).
Three times a course winner, Bomber Jackson was matched at odds of 1/20 in running on the betting exchanges. It looked more certain than that as Declan McDonogh’s mount crossed the line locked in combat with Carraigin Aonair. The photo showed though, that the latter, a 10/1 shot trained by John Murphy for owner/breeder Donal Mac A’Bhaird, had shaded it by a short-head under Niall McCullagh.
McDonogh hadn’t long to wait for some compensation in division two of this mile and a half nightcap, the former champion jockey triumphed on Ado McGuinness’ top-weight, Black Label (11/2).
Dan Daly’s good servant was much too strong for his rivals inside the final furlong, accounting for Gold Not Silver by three and a half lengths.
“He’s not a bad horse and he (the handicapper) gave him a chance by dropping him back into that grade,” said McGuinness.
Acting Stewards
L. McFerran, R.S. Martin, J.M. McGrath, J.G.J. McCoy, P.W. Murtagh
Horse To Follow
THE PARIS SHRUG (G M Lyons) She was impeded at the start from her wide draw and ran a smashing race to finish second to Dancing Doll. Could be difficult to hold in a maiden next time.