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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Have A Nice Day knows where the winning post is

Fri 6th Apr 2018, 20:18

Jockey David Simmonson with owners Lar and Helen Dempsey Jockey David Simmonson with owners Lar and Helen Dempsey
© Photo Healy Racing

Have A Nice Day plundered his 10th career victory with a power-packed finish in Dundalk.

John Feane 's charge contested the seven-furlong handicap and was piloted by David Simmonson.

The pair chased Arbourfield approaching the final furlong and got on terms with him in the final 150 yards.

The writing was then on the wall for Arbourfield when Have A Nice Day led narrowly with 100 yards to go.

Have A Nice Day had enough in the tank to repel Ambassadorial on his inside by half a length at 10/1.

Runner-up Ambassadorial (5/2 favourite) was making his first start for 359 days. He was a neck in front of third-placed Arbourfield (6/1 from 9/1).

John Feane said: “He did it well and was down to a mark. It was a hot race and it's great that he won. He's tough and he's genuine.

“The handicapper gave him a chance, basically, and he got his head in front. Last year he won first time up for me and he ran admirably all year.

“He was just a bit too high. He was fourth in a premier handicap at Leopardstown, and looked like he was going to win turning in, but the English horses caught him at the finish.

“He's tough, he's genuine and I'd like a few more like him. It depends on what the handicapper does now, he has to give him a chance.”

Have A Nice Day was down to a mark of 79 for this assignment and Simmonson claimed 5lbs off him.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
10/1
Tote €11.00 €2.80
2nd
0.5L
5/2Fav
€1.02
3rd
nk
6/1
€2.40
4th
nk
14/1
About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.