Aussie Valentine foils Halford's bid for a four-timer

Michael Halford’s bid for a Dundalk four-timer was foiled when his market-leader Katiymann had to settle for second place in the Crowne Plaza Race & Stay Package Handicap.

Katiymann got there with his chance down the outer under Ben Coen.

However another Tipperary youngster was the one to come out on top, Gavin Ryan getting Aussie Valentine home by half a length.

Stephen Thorne, assistant to winning trainer Ado McGuinness, said: "He's been a superstar this season. We bought him for 12 grand last October and Gary (Devlin) and Joe (McCrory) both got involved in the horse.

"We gave him a prep run here and the Lincoln was the plan at the start of the year. He ran a blinder and he's rocked up at every 100 grand handicap since.

"He won two rated races at Tipperary and Leopardstown, and has won just short of 80 grand now for the season. The plan was to drop him back down in grade to try and get a result before he finished up.

"He's off now on a mini break now with the plan being the Lincoln next year. They are absolutely two proper guys that own him and I'm delighted.

"He's a relentless galloper and was tough in the last furlong. He was off a tough mark tonight of 90, and the handicapper hasn't given us an inch as he's been consistent all season."

(AM & EM)