Lake George passes the winning post in front under Dylan Robinson from Les Darcy in second© Photo Healy Racing
Lake George landed a gamble as he recorded his fifth career success when taking the KC Civil Engineering Naas Hurling Handicap under Dylan Robinson (seventh win) for trainer James Barrett.
The six-year-old son of Alkaadhem was available at 16/1 in a place this morning, opening on-course at just 6's before going off the 5/1 joint-favourite.
Once rated as high as 89, the bay gelding was dropped a pound after finishing down the field at Tipperary in April and he just scraped into this 47-65 rated contest as a result off a mark of 65.
Prominent in the early stages this evening he raced in a share of fourth before being ridden two furlongs from home.
He got to the front over a furlong out and he kept on well from there to see off the challenge of the Ian Queally ridden Les Darcy (9/1) by a length.
Furcano (12/1) ran a fine race to take third a further length back under Connor King (a pound overweight) for Eoin McCarthy, while Eljowzah (13/2) and Botanical Lady (18/1) completed the placings another half a length back after dead-heating for fourth. Share A Secret was sent off the other joint-favourite but he could only manage a disappointing ninth under Gary Phillips for Garvan Donnelly.
James Barrett said afterwards: “He was back down to a mark that he’s competitive off. He's in again at the Curragh on Sunday and if he gets in he'll go again.
"Last year he was knocking on the door but was just a bit high. He's tough and honest and it's grand that he's back in the winner's spot.
“We fancied him today. I ran him in Tipperary but he doesn't quite get seven-and-a-half. He needs good to firm and I was praying on the way up here after the rain.
"When he has seven furlongs on that ground and is under 68 he's hard to beat. He was 16/1 this morning but a lot of my neighbours had a few quid on each-way!"
STEWARDS REPORTS
G.J. Phillips, rider of Share A Secret (GB) trained by Garvan Donnelly, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran flat.
I.T. Queally, rider of Les Darcy (GB), trained by Patrick J.Flynn, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount clipped a heel accidentally early in the home straight.
G.F. Carroll, rider of Pearl Opera (GB), trained by C. Moore, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount slipped independently on the turn for home and was eased.
C.D. Hayes, rider of Botanical Lady trained by H.Rogers, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right for the final 2 furlongs.
The Stewards received a report from W. Fleming, Turf Club Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that C.R. King, rider of Furacano weighed in at in 1.7lbs overweight after this race.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, in the presence of Paul W. Flynn, trainer, representing David Wachman, trainer and master of C.R. King.
C.R. King stated that he had a busy day riding work earlier and that he had a cup of tea after weighing out and this must have contributed to his overweight.
Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that C.R. King was in breach of Rule 231 and having taken his record in this regard into account, they suspended him for 2 racedays.
Mr N.B. Wachman, Chairman of the Acting Stewards, absented himself from this enquiry, and Mr C.J. O'Reilly acted as Chairman.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
