Mokhalad springs a 20/1 surprise

Mokhalad sprang a 20/1 surprise in the Slane Handicap, keeping on best inside the final furlong to score under Sean Davis for Damian English and the Galaxy Horse Racing Syndicate.

Successful at Dundalk in December, the son of Dubawi failed to follow-up in five starts since, and was well-beaten on his most recent outing on heavy ground earlier this month.

Back in trip today he was settled in mid-division and was ridden to challenge in fourth over a furlong out.

He really flew home inside the final furlong, getting to the front in the closing stages, going on to score by three parts of a length. Amanaat (25/1) ran well to finish second under Killian Leonard for James McAuley, while the 4/1 favourite (from 11/2 on-course) G Force was doing his best work toward the finish, eventually come home another length back in third under Shane Crosse for Adrian Keatley.

"He's a lovely horse, I really like him," said English.

"I started him off over a mile-and-a-half but he was a shell then and he's a tank of a horse now.

"He's just got quicker and quicker. I wasn't disappointed with his run last time as I put it down to him not staying.

"He has plenty of options now over five, six and seven. We'll see what the handicapper does now and we might target some of the premier handicaps at the back end."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Mokhalad (GB) trained by Damian Joseph English was found to have blood at the nose following exercised induced pulmonary haemorrhage.

The Stewards requested a report from Damian Joseph English, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Mokhalad (GB), placed first, as compared with its recent form. Mr. English stated that he did not handle the heavy ground or stay the longer trip on his previous run. He felt that the better ground and shorter trip suited his charge today. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson