Marked pips Maori in a thriller Wellmarked gained reward for some consistent efforts of late when getting up in the final strides after a terrific finish to the Brinny Awards Party Handicap. The Paul Fahey-trained gelding was under pressure a long way out in the five furlong sprint but answered every call from Ronan Whelan to pip The Munster Maori (6/1) by a head. Rigid Rock (8/1) was another half length back in third, while 7/2 favourite Judies Child weakened over a furlong to finish a well-beaten eleventh. Fahey was represented by his brother Tommy who said, “He's been very game all year and deserved that. Ronan gave him a super ride, and he tells me he's ridden a winner now for three of my brothers and Seamus is the only one missing.” However the stewards were not impressed by Whelan's efforts, and he was hit with a six day suspension for using his whip with excessive frequency. Alan Magee
