Rummaging maintains Halford strike rate

Michael Halford has enjoyed a good run on the polytrack this autumn, and added to his impressive tally as Rummaging justified solid support in the six-furlong maiden.

Backed on course from 4/1 into 9/4 before being sent off the 5/2 market leader, the Chineur gelding needed a strong drive from Declan McDonogh to land the spoils.

McDonogh, deputising for the suspended Shane Foley, forced the “jolly” through a gap to challenge inside the final furlong and the four-year-old stayed on well under pressure to peg back Khyber Pass (5/1) in the closing stages for a head verdict. Lily Of Kenmare (14/1) completed the placings another length adrift in third, although all bets were subject to a 10 cent in the euro deduction as Dimitar (8/1) was withdrawn after getting upset in the stalls.

Halford said, “He only got there. It was a bit tight to get through but he was game and genuine, and on form entitled to win.

“The owner has been very patient and he’s had a few problems. He loves that surface so we’ll keep him going here.”