If Per Chance wins a thriller If Per Chance was delivered on the line by jockey Shane Foley to deprive Akasaka by a nose in a driving finish to the mile handicap at Dundalk. With the first four distances being a nose, a short head, a neck and a neck, the handicapper certainly had a handle on this race. 4/1 favourite Elwazeer took third place just in front of Iron Major. Winning trainer Mick Halford was delighted to see his charge back in the winner’s enclosure. He said: “He has been running some lovely races. At least he was drawn wide today and got a run at them as he has been getting boxed in on the inside. “I’m glad his turn came as he has been a victim of his own success. He’s so so genuine. He’s in the sales on Thursday and hopefully someone will buy him and send him back to us. “Shane gave him a great ride. He’s a very strong rider. He has had the sun on his back in Dubai and it has done him the power of good.” There was plenty of money in the ring as a gamble was foiled on runner-up Akasaka (8/1 – 13/2). Joe Eile also attracted support from 13/2 to 5/1 on course but he came home fifth in the bunched finish. Michael Graham
