Sneddy as he goes for McNiff's winner

The Bluegrass Horse Feeds Handicap was won by 11/1 chance Sneddy Eddie who appreciated the underfoot conditions to gain a second win of the campaign.

Having tracked the pace, the Churchill gelding led inside the final quarter-mile and kept finding a bit more for Ronan Whelan to hold off the persistent challenge of Yuzu by a head. 

The winner's previous win had come in a sprint handicap but trainer Mark McNiff had no concerns about his charge's stamina for a mile.

“He loves soft ground and at times it was hard to get it. That type of track suits him as well as he's a handy horse,” said McNiff.

“He won in Sligo and over six there you are climbing for five. It's not a normal six and you'd want to stay further there.

“We thought he would win over a mile-and-one early in the year and he just paddled the last 100 yards so this is probably his ideal trip. Ground is essential though.

“He got a fright in the parade ring before (unseated Whelan) and he would be a wee bit fractious. He got a bit upset in the stalls one day as well and he would be a wee bit wired.”

Quotes from Gary Carson