Danz gives his trainer a birthday Gift

Danz Gift supplemented a Friday night success when again beating Pillar in the Racing Again April 11th and 18th Handicap at Dundalk.

A confident and patient Ronan Whelan got the 5/4 favourite up in time to prevail by half a length.

The front two in the market justified their positions and they drew three and a quarter lengths ahead of the third home, Red All Star

A big market mover earlier, Mr Shelby faded from his position up on the pace to beat just one home.

Successful handler Sheila Lavery was enjoying a birthday winner and she said: "Ronan said he got him out of a bit of a hole but I think he's just being hard on himself as it was another beautiful ride.

"It's funny that when sprinters hit form they hit form. The only problem is that there is nothing more for him for ages as he won't go on the soft.

"I think I'll just put him out now and he can have a couple of months break and then look at the back end on good ground and then aim at Dundalk again. He just needs that kind of ground.

"There are things over the summer but a lot of them are apprentice races. He takes knowing and a lot of apprentices don't get on with him. He's been very unlucky in a lot of apprentice races.

"He is the age he is and we'll keep him to races that Ronan, or some of the lads that know him, can ride him in. It's great to have him over the winter here also."

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Mr Shelby, trained by S. Donohoe, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have blood on the nose as a result of Exercise Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhage. Samples were taken for analysis.

S. Foley, rider of In My Place (GB) trained by F.Costello, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount found the surface to be too quick and hung to the left during this race.

Gerard Keane, trainer of Red All Star, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge lost his near fore shoe in running.

(GC & EM)