Danequest is pushed out close home by Leigh Roche© Photo Healy Racing
After finishing second on his last two outings Danequest got a deserved win to his name as he took the Greenmount Convention Centre Apprentice Handicap, scoring under Leigh Roche for Rodger Sweeney.
The five-year-old son of Stardan was second over hurdles at Cork on his penultimate outing in April, and he was again second on his last start at Clonmel over a mile and two when reverting back to the level.
Dropped in trip to a mile this evening the bay gelding was sent to post the 7/2 second favourite as Measured Approval was the only one punters wanted to know about.
The Pat Flynn trained six-year-old was available at 5/1 this morning, opening on-course at 11/4 before going off the 15/8 clear favourite.
Turning for home the 'jolly' travelled well on the outside with Danequest just in behind.
Measured Approval was ridden two furlongs out and he hit the front with over a furlong left to race, but he couldn’t see it out as Danequest came with his challenge inside the final furlong, hitting the front 100 yards out before keeping on well from there to score by a length. Hilary kept on well to take second under Dylan Robinson for Ger Stack at 14/1, while Measured Approval was a short head back in third under Colin Keane. Elusive Award (20/1) completed the placings a further half a length back in fourth under Gary Halpin for Thomond O’Mara.
Rodger Sweeney said afterwards: "He done it handy and we will see what the handicapper does now.
"He could go back over hurdles soon, maybe next Friday at Clonmel."
After the race Gary Halpin was found of guilty of careless riding aboard Elusive Award. The full stewards report can be found below.
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards enquired into two incidents in the closing stages, the first involving involving Elusive Award (USA), ridden by Gary Paul Halpin, placed fourth and Via Del Corso (GB), ridden by R.P. Whelan, unplaced, where it appeared Via Del Corso ran short of room and had to check.
The second incident involving Elusive Award (USA), and Gun Shot, ridden by C. P. Hoban, unplaced, where it appeared Gun Shot ran short of room.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that Garry Paul Halpin was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his excellent record, suspended him for one race day.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
