Canaly and Roger Loughran © Photo Healy Racing
Canaly produced a game front-running performance to land the featured Arctic Tack Stud Veterans Handicap Chase at Wexford this afternoon.
Seven familiar names lined up for the two-and-a-half mile race restricted to horses ten years and older.
Canaly cut out much of the running under Roger Loughran but was strongly pressed for much by Blazing Beacon
The pair battled it out turning for home with Canaly gaining the edge going to the last where his rival jumped left. Followmeuptocarlow came between the pair to challenge on the run-in but 8/1 shot Canaly help him at bay by a length-and-a-half at the line. Mount Colah the 5/2 favourite, finished sixth.
"His first couple of runs back were lovely but the ground wasn't right for him,” said Loughran.
“The ground was still not ideal for him today, he probably wants nicer. I bounced him out today and once he got a feel of the ground he was motoring away.
“I knew he'd stay two six, I got a great jump at the second last and that sealed it really.
“I could barely see the last (with the sun) but he was good and clever at it and was never going to get beat. He had plenty of leg trouble over the years but he is just an honest sort and gutsy."
The winner is owned by Michael Moore from Portarlington
(Quotes by Donal Murphy)
