Longest race of the season goes to Halford's strong stayer

The longest race of the flat season in Ireland, the Grant Thornton Ulster Cesarewitch, went to confirmed stayer Anyonecanhaveitall (5/1).

A three-time winner when trained in Briain by Mark Johnston, including twice over two miles, he tracked the leaders before being ridden to challenge over a furlong out. The Nathaniel gelding led a hundred yards out and stayed on well to account for Turnpike Trip by three quarters of a length.

It was a first win since joining Michael Halford’s stable last year for Garrett Freyne’s 5-year-old.

This victory moved 5lb claimer Mikey Sheehy onto the 20 winner mark for the campaign.

Sheehy said: "I probably jumped a little bit too well, I rode him probably a bit forward than I would have liked but I travelled sweetly everywhere.

"I didn't think we went overly fast so I didn't want to get stuck down the rail when I was in such a good rhythm. In fairness, once I got him down the outside he came alight. He did it well to be fair.

"He stays every yard of that trip so I am sure there is a big pot somewhere along the line. if he could sneak into one of those bigger handicaps off a light weight, it would be a nice ride to get.

"He (Mick Halford) kind of left it more to me than anything. I rode him one day in a big handicap at Limerick and finished fourth on him on a trip that was probably a little bit sharp for him. Back up in trip today and he showed what he can do."

Quotes from Michael Graham