Split lands a gamble

In a stable tour back in June Pat Shanahan said of Split The Atom "he's a tough, genuine horse that should pay his way in handicaps" and that prediction came to fruition when on his first venture into the sphere he landed a gamble in the Opera At Dundalk Stadium – Sunday 30th November Nursery Handicap.

Backed from 8/1 this morning into 4/1 favouritism, The Carbon Unit colt defied top-weight by a length in the hands of Luke Dempsey.

A home-bred by his owners, Thistle Bloodstock Limited, Split The Atom came with his effort down the inner and in the end proved too strong for Sassy But Classy

"He deserved that. I personally thought he'd win as he'd been placed in a few half decent maidens. Off 77 and with the 5lb claim I thought he had a big chance," reasoned Shanahan.

"I'll see what penalty he gets and what's coming up here now. If he gets 5lb for that it would put him out of the 0-80 nurseries."

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Texas Ruby (USA), trained by Charles O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be Post Race Normal.

W.M. Lordan, rider of Texas Ruby (USA), trained by Charles O'Brien, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount got upset in stalls.

(GC & EM)