Hammersmith (red) is pushed out by Ben Coen to beat Chernish (farside) © Photo Healy Racing
The James Nash trained Hammersmith just got the better of Chernish in the Ryans Cleaning Event Specialists Nursery Handicap.
Down the field on his debut over the course and distance in June, the successful son of No Nay Never then finished a good fourth at Naas, before he was outclassed when last of five in the Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown.
Making his debut in handicap company this afternoon, the bay gelding was sent off a 7/1 chance (10s this morning and from 8s on-course) in the colours of the HLT Partnership.
Settled in third by Ben Coen, he was ridden from two furlongs out, and stayed on best in the closing stages to prevail by a head.
Chernish (10/1) was the one just denied under Chris Hayes for Fozzy Stack, while Heavenly Rainbow (7/1) was another half a length back in third. Spiritual Impulse (from 11/2), Cuban Surfer and Tony's Rocket (from 11/2) were sent off the 9/2 co-favourites, and they finished fifth, sixth and last respectively.
Nash said afterwards: "We've always liked him but you can see through the race there that it's just taking a long time to get from his head to his feet. He was green and awkward but at home he doesn’t show any of that.
"He's like a horse that will improve away as you can see the size of him. He's a big good-looking horse. He could go for the Forans race (final of the series at Naas) and whether he has a run before that or not we'll see.
"He still has a lot of learning to do. It was great to win a nursery and a great place to win it. Ben gave him a very good ride for a 7lb claimer on an awkward horse."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
