Mark Nunan
Drama in the bumper as Carcaci Castle is left clear
Carcaci Castle and Toni Quail
© Photo Healy Racing
The Avison Young (Ladies Pro/Am) Flat Race provided plenty of drama as Carcaci Castle (28/1) was left clear in the straight to run out a wide-margin winner.
Only two counted as the field turned for home with Jody Townend hard at work towards the inner on the 11/10 favourite Aslukwoodhavit as Carcaci Castle was upsides under Toni Quail.
Unfortunately for Townend, she had her head down driving her mount and didn’t look up in time to manoeuvre him to the right of a spur of rail and between the wings of the second-last flight of hurdles.
Realising her error at the last moment, Townend tried to steer her mount back onto the correct line but, after he jinked, she had no chance of retaining the partnership and was unseated.
Carcaci Castle, who had looked to be gaining the upper hand at the time of the incident, was left well clear and crossed the line 15 lengths ahead of fellow outsider Glory Breeze
The second favourite Kilbarry Chianti was third having raced very wide throughout under Sheila Ahern who reported afterwards that he had hung right.
The winner, fourth in a point-to-point before being well beaten over hurdles on his first start under Rules, was completing a 202/1 double for trainer Colin Bowe after Zamond rsquo;s earlier win.
Winning rider Toni Quail commented: “It was all very simple. I don't know what happened Jody but I think I had it in the bag.
“He was on and off the bridle but that's kind of the way he is, he's the same at home.
“I'm delighted to get it for Colin and the team at home.
“He ran well in a point-to-point at Kirkistown and we thought here would suit him as they are kind of similar tracks and it was similar ground.
“That's my second track winner and I've rode one point-to-point winner as well.”
Quotes from Gary Carson