Nobel Prize leads them home under Killian Hennessy© Photo Healy Racing
Pre-race some saw the Group Three Woodford Reserve Ballysax Stakes at Dundalk as being all about Monarch Of Egypt, but it was his Ballydoyle stable companion Nobel Prize that took the honours under Killian Hennessy.
Like many of the back-up jockeys with Aidan O’Brien, Killian Hennessy certainly isn’t seen in action day in day out as evidenced by the 'stat' - 31 rides since his last winner which was 641 days back.
Unable to use his seven pound claim here, Youghal-man Hennessy soon led and went on aboard the 4/1 shot (backed in from 13/2).
Ridden with a reduced lead a furlong and a half out, Nobel Prize wandered under pressure inside the final furlong and ended up just prevailing, by a nose, from Indicative Vote (16/1 — 18/1 — 9/1).
The aforementioned Monarch Of Egypt was still going well into the straight after getting a patient steer at the back.
He didn’t have much room briefly two furlongs out and ultimately finished fifth of the six.
“I was delighted to get the ride here for Aidan, I ride a lot of work there and he's been very good to me giving me any spares that come up,” said Hennessy.
“Aidan was very confident that he'd get the trip well and his rider at home, James Maher, was very happy with him.
“He stays very well, the plan was to go out and go a good gallop and thankfully it worked out.
“He just kept staying on the last furlong. He wondered around a little bit but he's very genuine and stuck his head out at the line.
“He's a big strong horse and will have no bother getting a mile-and-a-half. He did that very nicely.
“I was apprentice to Jim Bolger for four years. I went on to America and England for a bit and I've been with Aidan now for a year-and-a-half. Thankfully it's paying off.”
At the request of the Stewards, M.C. Hussey, rider of Monarch Of Egypt (USA), trained by A.P.O'Brien, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount settled well but failed to pick up when asked to challenge.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Monarch Of Egypt (USA), trained by A.P.O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Siamese (USA), trained by J.P. Murtagh, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
B.M. Coen, rider of Siamese (USA) trained by J.P. Murtagh, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount tripped when leaving the starting stalls.
(GC & EM)
