Whatsyourstatus and Ricky Doyle clear the last© Photo Healy Racing
A chance spare ride saw Ricky Doyle ride out his claim aboard Whatsyourstatus in the Waterford Greenway Beginners Chase.
Originally due to be partnered by Conor McNamara, Doyle stepped in after McNamara was stood down for the remainder of the day after his mount, Billy's Angel fell in the fifth.
Trained and owned by Gearoid O'Loughlin, Whatsyourstatus was sent off a 17/2 chance after finishing third on his most recent start at Downpatrick.
Settled behind the leaders, the son of Ask travelled best to lead on the approach to the second last and he kept on strongly from there to record a facile fourteen length success. Champagne Beauty (9/1) ran well to finish second under Ambrose McCurtin, while Bal De Rio (9/2) was another length and a half back in third.
The David O'Brien trained Ran Rite was sent off the 11/8 favourite but he could only manage a disappointing seventh.
O'Loughlin said in the aftermath: "I've got him beaten ten times over. He runs a bit gassy and keen and we always thought he wanted two miles or two mile two. He actually wants three miles.
"I even thought that today might be a bit too short for him. With the race being for horses who hadn't won over hurdles I said I'd take a chance.
"Ricky actually rode him during the week for me up the Old Vic. He said; 'I do not know how this horse hasn't won a race!'
"If he comes out of this well he could go for the three mile handicap hurdle at Listowel next Friday. He would be tailor made for it. It's an amateur riders hurdle and we'd try to get Derek O'Connor or Ben Harvey to ride.
"He had eleven grand won before today and he only cost E1,500 at an August sale. I also have his sister and I think she is quite good. Her name is Fanoir, she is better than him and goes to Listowel for a mares bumper next.
"Conor rode him the last day and he is big part of the team. It's unfortunate for him. Ricky is a good replacement and I'm delighted for him to lose his claim.
"There is a few local lads in Clarecastle that will be delighted too and we might have a few pints on Monday to celebrate."
STEWARDS REPORTS
D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Long Island Jenn trained by Miss Denise Marie O'Shea, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount's saddle slipped.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Ran Rite, trained by David M.O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
