Sequoia in good Spirits on seasonal debut

Joey Sheridan partnered a double on the card as Ray Hackett's Sequoiaspirit won the concluding mile-six handicap easily at Gowran Park.

The six-year-old settled behind the leaders before challenging past the two-pole. The 16/1 shot then took the lead over a furlong from home and soon had matters in control, extending the gap in the final stages to win by three-and-three-quarter lengths over Bolero

It was a fourth career victory for Sequoiaspirit, who was making his seasonal debut in this race.

Hackett said:- “He’s a hardy little horse and we gave him a good break this time. He just loves his work and thrives from work and racing. The dead ground helped him.

“He’ll mix it now between the Flat and hurdles for the summer and hopefully we’ll have a bit of fun with him. We’ll be aiming for the likes of Killarney and he was unlucky in Listowel last year.”

Sheridan had also struck on Secret Sauce in the earlier claimer.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)