Sexton hits the front in title race

Kevin Sexton struck the front in the claiming riders’ title race when partnering his 20th winner of the season aboard Gold Platinum in the Ingard Point Mares Maiden Hurdle.

The daughter of Flemensfirth was a bit unfortunate at Clonmel last time when disqualified from second spot as rider Andrew Leigh misunderstood officials signals and omitted the second last hurdle after bypassing a stricken horse early in the straight.

Sexton, now one ahead of his closest rival Jody McGarvey, took over on the Willie Austin-trained mare and had her up with the pace throughout.

Well backed from 5/1 this morning and sent off a 3/1 chance, she kept on well in the straight to beat Vic Dancer by three lengths. Painted Lady was led in well away from the rest of the 16-runner field to get off on terms but the 7/4 favourite could find no extra in the straight to finish a further three quarters of a length back in third.

Austin said, “She probably wanted the extra half-mile, and she was fit and ready for today. She’ll probably go for a winners-of-one in a few weeks’ time. But the minute the ground gets good she’s gone for the summer.”

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy