Dance Emperor wins under Sam Ewing© Photo Healy Racing
After Seamus’ success in division one, split two of the Leighlinbridge Handicap at Gowran went to another of the Monasterevin Fahey training brothers as Peter’s Dance Emperor defied his top-weight impost.
Seamus’ Leviosa scored a 33/1 surprise, but the 8/1 win of Dance Emperor was easier to predict pre-race as he came here on the back of a Navan victory.
The Proudstown Park win had been a first in nearly three years for Dance Emperor, and he clearly gained in confidence as he was good here.
Sam Ewing ’s mount put a strong stamp on the extended nine furlong heat inside the last, to account for Mokhles by three and a quarter lengths.
Here Seamus’ Gregory’s Gift finished in eighth. That 3/1 market-leader had been slowly away and raced in rear. He made some progress when badly checked two furlongs out and didn’t recover.
Meanwhile another Fahey, Jarlath, filled the seventh spot with Prime Chief
“They went a very good gallop, came back to me in front, and he picked them up,” said Ewing.
“They just went very fast and he was able to pick them off.
“That's two on the bounce, he's nice and sweet at the moment and hopefully he stays that way and his confidence is still up. Hopefully there is more to come.”
At the request of the Stewards, C.D. Hayes, rider of Clueless Hill trained by Luke Comer, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount suffered slight interference when his race was run and was eased down.
(GC & EM)
