Halford full of praise for Foley after Banna win

The Mick Halford trained Banna Boirche recorded his first win since December 2010 as he took the www.dundalkstadium.com Handicap providing his rider Shane Foley with a double (having rode Marvada to victory in the second).

Having tracked the leaders in fourth early on under a keen hold, he made headway on the outer to move into third in the early straight.

He then came with his challenge a furlong from home and kept on well under pressure to catch the 2/1 favourite Billyford under Johnny Murtagh, who had attempted to make all, winning by a head at the line. Solent Ridge under Megan Carberry for Ger Lyons kept on best of the rest to take third at 11/1 a further three parts of a length behind.

The winning 6yo son of Lucky Owners was recording his seventh career success this evening with all his victories coming at Dundalk.

Winning trainer Mick Halford said afterwards: "It was a tricky muddling old race. Shane is riding really well at the moment and he got a lovely position and did well to win.

"The horse loves it around here, it was a good race and he got a very good ride.

"He probably got there a bit sooner than he would have liked but he didn’t want to get locked in.

"He will come back here on Friday week for a mile handicap."

Halford was full of praise for Shane Foley and continued by saying: "Shane is riding great at the moment he is really confident and strong.

"He will ride all of ours this season with Johnny Murtagh on the horses for the Aga Khan.

"He is a great team player and we are lucky to have him. He has a great racing brain and I think he will go a long way.

"He is also a nice guy and rides for a lot of trainer and that says it all." (DM & GC)