James Henry and Scott McCullagh (centre)© Photo Healy Racing
James Henry (9/4) followed up a breakthrough win in December with a second success today, landing Dundalk's Gateway Hotel Dundalk Race & Stay Handicap (Div II) for trainer Leanne Breen, jockey Scott McCullagh and the Varland Syndicate.
Beaten in 17 runs prior to scoring in December, the five-year-old Kodiac gelding dropped to sprinting distances in recent times and today arrived from mid-division to lead inside the final furlong and beat long-time leader No Speed Limit by a head.
Co Down-based Breen reported “he was a wee bit funny in the stalls - it wasn't the tactics we wanted to go with, but Scott did brilliant to get him from where he was. He's a big horse and doesn't do a whole pile when he gets there.
"He'll be out of the grade (47-65) now, so hopefully he keeps improving although I actually prefer him at seven (furlongs). He's exciting for the grass and there will be plenty of fun for the owners."
Quotes from Michael Graham
