Nusret (double green) is ridden out by Mikey Sheehy to beat Almuhit© Photo Healy Racing
Owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, Nusret successfully returned to the level, as he claimed the feature at the Curragh this evening, the Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Premier Handicap.
Completing a double for Joseph O'Brien, the four-year-old enjoyed a lucrative stint over flights from November to April, winning the Grade 2 Adonis Hurdle at Kempton, while also finishing third and fourth when tried at the highest level.
Sent off the 3/1 favourite (from 5s) this evening, the Golden Horn entire was given a patient ride by Mikey Sheehy, making steady headway from the three furlong pole.
He came with his challenge between horses with a furlong to race and was soon ridden to the front, keeping on well in the closing stages to hold off Almuhit (16/1) by half-a-length.
Seamie Heffernan was aboard the runner-up for Denis Hogan, while Burren Song (8/1), who was bidding to completing a four-timer, was just a neck away in third.
"He loves that set up and is a talented horse on his day. He's a Grade 2 winner over hurdles," O'Brien, who was earlier successful with debutant Islandsinthestream commented.
"He delivered at the right time and it was a nice ride by Mikey.
"The Ebor is obviously his target now. He'll probably run in something between now and then and could get into a Galway Hurdle."
Sky Bet go 25/1 about the winner for Ebor at York and he is guaranteed a run in that prestigious contest now after winning this evening.
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Hell Bent ridden by N. M. Crosse, unplaced, Almuhit, ridden by J.A. Heffernan, placed second, and Nusret (GB), ridden by M.P. Sheehy, placed first, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. N. M. Crosse stated that his race was run and his mount was tying up. J. A. Heffernan stated that things got tight but he did not have to stop riding and it did not effect him. M. P. Sheehy stated that the gap got a bit tight when he got into it but he felt he kept straight. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards made no alteration to the judge's placings and took no further action.
D.P. McDonogh, rider of White Caviar (FR), trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount did not handle todays going.
J.A. Heffernan, rider of Almuhit, trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ducked left at the one and a half furlong mark.
M.P. Sheehy, rider of Nusret (GB), trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got tight for room inside the furlong pole.
Adam Caffrey, rider of Sheishybrid trained by Noel Meade, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was short of room inside the last furlong.
The Raceday Stewards interviewed J.A. Heffernan, rider of Almuhit, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was quick with several strikes but added that it was to prevent interference. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that J. A. Heffernan was in breach of Regulation 10.3(i)(time to respond). Having considered his record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended J. A. Heffernan for five racedays.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
