McKnight off the mark on the level with 2nd Flat runner

Nine-year-old Alnahar (22s out to 28/1) caused a surprise when defying top-weight under Conor Maxwell in the Quinnbet Handicap at Dundalk.

Twice a course winner over an extended mile and a quarter, the Neil McKnight-trained Bahri gelding had no problems with the twelve furlongs of this event.

Confined to riders who hadn't ridden more than ten winners since the 1st of July, this event was one to forget for many punters as Alnahar led home 40/1 chance Spinning Pearl by a length and a half.

They were followed in third and fourth by Caronda (16/1) and Phebes Dream (14/1). Easy Pass (10th in the end) went off clear in front under young Emma Sara Holden and the likes of well-backed favourite Duke Of Waspington (5s into 3s) could never get in a blow. The market-leader finished 9th.

Alnahar attained his previous successes for Natalia Lupini and McKnight reflected: "He did it well. We took him hurdling last year and it didn't really work out for him.

“We brought him here for a schooling race and he finished third. The minute he came into the stable yard he lit up and it seems to be more his game. He seemed to enjoy it.

“The last day he probably just needed the sharpen up. Robbie Colgan liked him and thought a mile-and-four would suit. Hats off to Robbie he told us to step up in trip.

“He had won here over a mile-and-a-quarter but maybe with the bit of hurdling experience he was able to stay on a bit better and maybe also with a bit of age.

“He's in good old heart and hopefully we can keep going with him.

“I train in Banbridge and we have eight in, mostly point-to-pointers. That's only my second runner on the Flat, his run here a fortnight ago was my first runner.

“I only got my licence for the Flat a few weeks ago. It's a bit easier than point-to-pointing!”

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Duke Of Waspington, trained by P.J.F. Murphy, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Stewards interviewed Emma Sara Holden, rider of Easy Pass, concerning her use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found the rider in breach of Reg.10.3.(b) by using the whip when her chance was gone and having taken her record into consideration suspended the rider for one race day.

(GC & EM)