Stag strikes on softer ground

Willie McCreery's Stag Night powered clear in the closing stages to justify good support in the sprint handicap at Naas this afternoon.

The Tagula gelding was soon prominent under Billy Lee and the 4/1 joint favourite (11/1 this morning) led passing the two pole.

He hit top gear inside the final furlong, soon settling matters as he recorded a four-and-three-quarter length win over Jon Riggens

The five-year-old wasn't beaten far in sixth at Listowel on his last outing and was dropping back in trip today having secured his previous two career wins over six furlongs.

McCreery said:- “He’s a grand horse and wins one every year.

“He’s just had problems with his feet. We had special shoes on him in Gowran and Billy just felt he wasn’t moving well and couldn’t grip the ground.

“He’s probably sore on the hard ground and more comfortable on his feet on that ground.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)