It's All A Joke has last laugh in Naas

It’s All A Joke was another high-drawn horse to win a big-field sprint at Naas today, in the concluding Heritage Hotel Handicap over six furlongs.

Ronan Whelan’s mount raced from stall 21 and soon raced in mid-division on the stands’ side.

He was shaken up to take closer order a furlong and a half down, and motored into contention at the business end.

He came through with his winning challenge 150 yards from home and kept on to prevail by half a length at 22/1. Teddy Boy couldn’t reach him in second at 9/2 and was a neck in front of Bellick (20/1). Indiana Grey was a further half length away in fourth at 9/1.

“This fella has been some heartbreak and he was close to getting the door a few times,” said Ado McGuinness.

“I thought we were in trouble when I saw him drawn in 21 as so far this year it was biased against this side. But the ground cut up a bit and they all came this side.

“He wasn’t winning out of turn and obviously he likes a little ease in the ground even though he’s won on the all-weather.

“He’s in Bellewstown during the week over five. I probably should have put him in over seven but he’s going to run there if he gets in with a penalty.

“Adam Caffrey rides him at home and he’s done a great job with him. He was running away with every other lad that rode him.” Chief Little Hawk won the six-furlong Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes from stall 17 and Sweet Gardenia took the Silver Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes out of box 18.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee