Donal Murphy
In-form Day makes all in Gowran feature
Not A Bad Oul Day (red cap) is ridden out by David Simmonson
© Photo Healy Racing
Not A Bad Oul Day continued his excellent run of form, as he made all to take the feature at Gowran, the www.gowranpark.ie Handicap.
The Johnny Feane trained five-year-old has now won four of his last five starts, finishing second on the other occasion over the course last month.
Up to a career high mark of 78, the five-year-old Captain Rio gelding was available at 6/1 this morning, opening on-course at 5s, before going off a 9/2 chance.
Sent straight to the front he made all under David Simmonson, keeping on well under pressure from the two furlong pole, going on to record his third win at Gowran by two lengths. Secret Wizard (13/2) finished second under Ronan Whelan for Sheila Lavery, while Shepherd's Purse (12s to 8s) was another two and a half lengths back in third for Gary Carroll and Joe Murphy.
Feane said afterwards: "We claimed him last year at Laytown for E5,000 and it took us a while to get the key to him but he has won four of his last five now and was also second.
"He knocked himself at Southwell and we gave him a break and is going great. I was hopeful coming today but was confident when he got his own way in front.
"He's tough and genuine and the key to him is to be in front. It was a good pot today and he'll go to Galway next."
Simmonson added: "He is hardy and tough and keeps improving. He got a little bit lonely at the front and if you backed off him, he would come back underneath you so it's best to keep him going."
STEWARDS REPORT
C.D. Hayes, rider of Mizaah trained by Kevin Prendergast, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his saddle slipped in running.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes