Swamp Fox leads home Highland Fling and Western Boy© Photo Healy Racing
The ultra tough Swamp Fox landed yet another valuable prize, as he took the Naas November Handicap for Joe Murphy.
Successful at Ballinrobe and Killarney earlier in the year, the son of Windsor Knot since ran some excellent races in defeat, and was sixth in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket on his last start.
Available at 14/1 for a time last night, he opened on-course at 7s before going off a 6/1 chance under Gary Carroll.
Having raced in third, he was ridden in pursuit of the leaders from the three furlong pole. He came with his challenge between horses and led a furlong out, staying on well inside the final furlong to hold off the renewed challenge of Highland Fling by a short head.
The runner-up was returned at 10/1 (25s last night and from 12s on-course) under Rory Cleary for Gavin Cromwell. Western Boy (14/1), who kept on well in the closing stages, was another neck back in third with Fran Berry in the saddle for Pat Fahy. Grand Partner (14/1) completed the placings another two and a half lengths back in fourth, while the 7/2 favourite Lord Erskine finished last of the sixteen runners.
Murphy said afterwards: "Gary said that when he hit the front he just stopped and there was plenty of horse under him. That's just the type of horse he is. We got beaten by a tight margin in the (Galway) Hurdle, and then win this by a tight margin.
"He's a very nice horse to have and is in the Morgiana Hurdle and the Fighting Fifth. There is a week between the two races and he will go for one of them.
"He always runs very genuine, and is a tough, consistent horse. I'd say there is a lot more in him."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards interviewed F.M. Berry, rider of Western Boy, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that F.M. Berry was in breach of R10(3)(f) by using his whip with excessive frequency and having taken his clean record into consideration, they cautioned him.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Lord Erskine, trained by H.Rogers, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
C.D. Hayes, rider of Automated (GB) trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount pull
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
