Veteran rewards McAuley's courage

Owner/trainer James McAuley went out on a limb in claiming ten year old Eastern Racer at Bellewstown in July and today won the Southgate Centre Drogheda Handicap (div I) at that same racecourse.

Claimed from trainer Sean Byrne in July, the son of Bushranger is now in his second stint with McAuley, who sent the veteran to be trained by Denis Hogan in 2019.

Today, under jockey Bill Lee, Eastern Racer got in as second reserve and notched a tenth career win, beating What Adaay by a length and three parts.

McAuley commented “he was a right old servant for us and I think he won about 25 grand for us (when trained by Hogan). He was beaten in a claimer one day and we were surprised they gave €12,000 for him but he did a good job for Sean Byrne as well.

"When we saw him back in a claimer, we thought he owes us nothing and took a punt on him. Colin (Keane) has been adamant that his turn was coming even though his finishing position didn't really suggest it.”

He added “we tried to ride him handier today, they went a good pace and it worked out.

"He owes us nothing - we only gave five grand for him (in July) so he has paid himself back today already. sHe won up in Dundalk for us so we will definitely chance it again and if he doesn't handle it, we will give him the time off."

Quotes from Michael Graham