Ardaghs Choice and Kevin Sexton© Photo Healy Racing
He may have played up in the preliminaries and got rid of Kevin Sexton in the parade ring but Ardaghs Choice was more than alright out on the track to spring a 100/1 surprise in the Follow Kilbeggan On Twitter Handicap Hurdle.
Sexton was looking content enough aboard the Arcadio five-year-old after two out, as other riders asked for more from their mounts.
On his handicap debut the Stephen Barron-owned and Eamon ‘Dusty’ Sheehy-trained well-related sort eventually clung on by half a length from Mick Charlie
“He ran okay the first day I rode him (at Tramore) and I thought he’d come on plenty from it,” said Sexton.
“He disappointed on soft ground the last day and the ground was plenty soft enough today but he got through it.
“He’s tough and stayed galloping. He wanted every bit of three miles.”
P.J. O'Hanlon, rider of Lee Valley Legacy trained by Dermot Anthony McLoughlin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount didn't handle the ground.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Walk Me Home trained by Gavin Cromwell, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race.
The Stewards wished to enquire into the apparent improvement in form of Ardaghs Choice, trained by E.Sheehy, placed first, compared with its recent form. As neither Mr. E. Sheehy or an Authorised Representative were present at today's meeting, the Stewards referred the matter to the referrals committee for further investigation.
(AM & EM)
