Gold Falcon (red, 2nd from right) accounted for Merry Mast (nearside) and company at Dundalk© Photo Healy Racing
There were 6/1 co favourites for the Market Bar Drogheda Handicap and that competitiveness in the market was reflected out on the track as all fourteen held chances as they approached the business end (seven and a quarter lengths separated the entirety at the finish). Twelve to one shot Gold Falcon benefited from an excellent Shane Kelly ride to prevail.
Just one from twenty nine coming in to tonight's mile event, Gold Falcon was held up in rear. He was switched left and made headway under two furlongs out before leading a hundred and fifty yards out. He went on to defeat Merry Mast by half a length.
"He gave him a super ride. He's a bit of a monkey but has loads of ability," said successful handler Adrian McGuinness.
"He needs to be held up and come through horses. He was drawn one but it was perfect as he dropped him out and it suited him.
"The lads (Scoreaweek Syndicate) took him over and that's only his second run for them so it's a good start."
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the straight involving California Rose (GB), ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed fourth, Atlas Peak ridden by S. Corby, unplaced, Tohugo ridden by D.P. McDonogh, unplaced and Thefiddlerofduneen ridden by I.T. Queally, unplaced. Garrett Cotter, representing Mr. M.Halford, trainer attended the enquiry with S.Corby and Mr. Liam McAteer, trainer attended the enquiry with Ian Queally. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that P.J.Smullen was in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record, suspended him for one race day.
The Stewards interviewed F.M. Berry, rider of Ballynakelly concerning the fact that he appeared to move across before reaching the marker poles. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered evidence from the rider, the Stewards were of the opinion that F.M.Berry was in breach of Rule 211 and having considered his record, severely cautioned him as to his future responsibilities in this regard.
(GC & EM)
