Simply True pleases Whelan with a 2nd win

Simply True (6/1 into 9/2) landed some bets when victorious in the Gowran Park Racing Club Nursery Handicap for Andy Oliver and Ronan Whelan.

Testing ground doesn’t seem to be any issue for the successful chestnut, on the mark on a somewhat similar surface at Down Royal in August.

Second on heavy terrain at the Curragh just over a fortnight back, Simply True stepped up a place to beat Sasta by half a length.

Sasta, a handicap first-timer for Jim Bolger, finished well but not in time to match Simply True.

“He's a dream to ride, he's very straight-forward and he's as tough as old boots but he's genuine along with it,” said Whelan.

“Going down the hill he was only going through the motions with me and once I got stuck into him he kept on finding.

“Andy has done a good job to keep him sweet the whole way through the year. He's improving away and he's versatile ground-wise and trip-wise.

“He handled that ground a lot better than most so it's a big help. He has the heart to go with it on the ground.”

A.J. Slattery, rider of Sweet Justice trained by T.G.McCourt, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got worked up in the stalls.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined The King Of Kells trained by Michael Mulvany, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

S. Foley, rider of Waterville Lady trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount reared up leaving the gates and he sustained a blow to the face.

(GC & EM)