Conor and Charlie O'Dwyer with Trump Card© Photo Healy Racing
Conor O'Dwyer recorded his second winner in the space of three days at Dundalk, as his Trump Card landed the Marshes Shopping Centre Ladies Day 12th July 2017 Handicap.
O'Dwyer was on the mark with Jon Ess at the all-weather venue on Wednesday, and he followed up this evening with this son of Lilbourne Lad.
Available at as big as 8/1 in a place this morning, Trump Card went off at half those odds under Billy Lee.
Second on his penultimate start over the course in February, the four-year-old victor was settled behind the leaders on the inner.
He was pushed along to lead from the two furlong pole, and kept on well from there to score by a length and a half. Manomine (14/1) ran on to take second under Gary Carroll for Keith Watson, while Mountmills (10's this morning, and from 5's to 4's on-course) was another two lengths back in third, with Ronan Whelan in the saddle for Natalia Lupini. Locus Standi was the 9/4 favourite, and he finished fourth, while the easy to back Bottleofsmoke (4/5 last night and from 2's to 11/4 on-course), who won at Roscommon on Monday, was sixth.
Conor O'Dwyer, who trains the winner for his wife Audrey, said afterwards: "I feel like Jessica Harrington here! I was here all winter and couldn't get one!
"He was probably unlucky a few times during the winter. He got stopped a few times in his races, he got stopped and knocked down in Wolverhampton one night but half the times he is getting knocked down he's just not quick enough to go where he wants to go.
"Nine runners suited him and Billy (Lee) was good on him. We gave him a bit of a break there and the horses are in good form. Long may it continue.
"He stays and he'll go hurdling. He's a versatile little horse. He'll be a fun horse. I'm thrilled."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Montys Angel trained by John C. McConnell, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
K.J. Leonard, rider of Montys Angel, trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was pulled up in the straight having hung left throughout the race.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
