Mahrajaan (left) gets up to beat Shadagann (noseband on right)© Photo Healy Racing
The eleven-year-old Mahrajaan just got up on the line under a well timed Tom Madden ride as he took Seamus Mulvaney Handicap on his last ever run.
The Charles Byrnes trained gelding won at Down Royal on Friday last and he was sent off at 7/1 to follow up this afternoon.
Settled towards the rear he made good progress through the field from three furlongs out.
He was fifth as they entered the straight and he was soon ridden, keeping on strongly on the outer from the furlong pole, getting up to score by a neck. Shadagann (8/1), who had done everything right from the front, had to settle for second under Shane Foley for Mick Halford while the hat-trick seeking Gold Focus (11/2) was a further length and a quarter back in third under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger. Mr Snagsby was sent off the well-backed 4/1 favourite (8/1 overnight and from 11/2 on-course) but he could only manage fifth under Wayne Lordan for Eddie Lynam.
Charles Byrnes said afterwards: "Tom is an up and coming jockey. I thought he was very good in Down Royal and today he was even better!
"I’m delighted for the horse and for his owners (White & Black Syndicate). He is going to be retired now as he suffers with his joints."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards interviewed S. Foley, rider of Shadagann, concerning his use of the whip in this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f), in that he used the whip with excessive frequency and having considered his record, suspended him for one race day.
J.P. O'Brien, rider of Raydari (FR), trained by Rodger Sweeney, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount never travelled.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
