First win on turf for Storm Steps

Pat Martin teamed up with 3lb claimer Mikey Sheehy to win the concluding 1m4f handicap with Storm Steps (13/2).

This was the second race of the evening to be started by flag after the outside section of stalls had malfunctioned in the second of the 6f sprints. The races in between had field sizes capable of being accommodated in the one functioning set of stalls but that wasn't the case here with 17 going to post. Angel In The Sky took them along from flagfall with Storm Steps in close attendance throughout. Sheehy drove his mount to the front over a furlong out and stayed on well to repel a host of rivals who gave chase in the final furlong. The seven-year-old got home by three parts of a length to record his first win on turf with a bunched finish for minor honours. The 10/3 favourite Draco Pulchrac was second just in front of Contrapposto and Miss Cunning

Pat Martin said: “He’s a lovely horse. Tim (Doyle) won three races on the all-weather with him and he’s very ground dependant. He doesn’t want it good to firm and he doesn’t want it loose. Dundalk is ideal for him and likewise today’s ground was great.

“He had a lovely run the last day in Gowran and the ground was a little bit slower than here. He’s a lovely looking horse and has a great attitude.”

Quotes from Alan Magee