Danz Gift winning under Ronan Whelan© Photo Healy Racing
Sheila Lavery and Ronan Whelan combined for success with Danz Gift (11/1) in the Crowne Plaza Dundalk Race & Stay Handicap.
Held up towards the rear, Danz Gift closed up behind the leaders and didn’t get a clear run a furlong and a half out.
Ridden to challenge between horses in the final hundred and fifty yards, Danz Gift led in the final hundred yards, soon asserting, keeping on well close home to beat favourite Zippity by a length and a half.
“I was drawn 11 and he’s a horse that likes to drop out so it was never too much of a concern. He just needs everything to fall right for him and luckily enough it did today," said Whelan.
“I was stepping in for Robbie (Colgan) who was suspended today.
“Sheila couldn’t really understand why he hadn’t been running better as his work at home had been as good as ever. He was down to a mark that he’s very competitive off, and he’s even won off higher.
“He’s a horse when he does get his head in front can run up a sequence so I’m sure Sheila will be hoping to get him out quickly enough.”
(AM & EM)