Chairman of Horse Racing Ireland and owner of Elusive In Paris, Joe Keeling, with his winner © Photo Healy Racing
Michael Grassick and Donnacha O'Brien teamed up for success with Elusive In Paris in the Crowne Plaza Hotel Race & Stay Apprentice Handicap at Dundalk.
The third winning market-leader in a row, following on from Your Pal Tal and Have A Great Day the 5/1 joint favourite was checked early, and he ended up towards the rear.
Now a four time winner at the venue, the Elusive City gelding made his ground on the outer from over two furlongs out.
Soon edging left under pressure, Elusive In Paris came through to hit the front a furlong out, staying on well in the final furlong to defeat the dead-heaters, Captains Dilemma and Fairy Foxglove by a length.
"He was over-due a win. He was a bit unlucky a couple of times here," explained Grassick.
"I thought the surface here was a bit quick for him and he wasn't letting himself go. That probably proves me wrong though.
"He has been a bit keen and lit up. He was more relaxed today and Donnacha gave him a great ride.
"We'll find a similar sort of handicap for him now."
T.P. Madden, rider of Moss Nation (GB), trained by Daniel William O'Sullivan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ducked left shortly after the start of this race.(AM & EM)
