Striking Gold and Colm O'Donoghue beat off Captain Carleton and Leigh Roche© Photo Healy Racing
To go with the brace of 66/1 winners (Talk The Lingo and Scamall Dubh) and 50/1 scorer (Poormans Hill) there was another Galway festival 2016 shock when Striking Gold popped up at 40/1 in the Ladbrokes 'The Grid' Handicap.
Colm O'Donoghue rode the British-bred for the Striking Gold Partnership and trainer Jessica Harrington, and he struck the front in the straight.
Up in trip for his second run in a handicap, Striking Gold got home by a length from Captain Carleton
"I was hoping for a good run, he was working well at home," revealed Mrs Harrington.
"He had a good run at Leopardstown, but he just didn't want to know at Down Royal.
"Colm had to really get after him from the stalls as he started slowly today. He will go for something similar now, he has had a light summer. He will make a lovely jumper as he has plenty of size and scope about him."
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Striking Gold (GB) trained by Mrs John Harrington lost a hind shoe in running.
The Stewards requested a report from Mrs John Harrington, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Striking Gold (GB), placed first, as compared with its recent form. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that her charge disappointed on his last start, it being his first run since being gelded. She added that the horse benefited today from a strong ride. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the report.
D.M. Redmond, rider of Kill Or Cure trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount emptied from the top of the hill.
(DM & EM)
