Thunder Kiss (Colin Keane) beats Alghazaal (Chris Hayes)© Photo Healy Racing
Ger Lyons sent out two for the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap and Glenburnie’s Thunder Kiss got the job done under stable jockey Colin Keane at Dundalk.
Thunder Kiss’ stable companion Chiricahua also performed up to scratch on his first run since early October to finish third, but the winner, off even longer, did better still.
The successful grey was last seen out in August. The daughter of Night Of Thunder is talented though, as she showed again here in getting the better of Alghazaal by a length.
“That's a step in the right direction for her. She works very well at home and last year it was a combination of ground and weakness,” said stable representative Shane Lyons.
“We were always hoping that with her work at home a winter under her belt would help her strengthen up. We're delighted now that that has proven right.
“Colin said she appreciated the surface so going forward we'll look for good or better. She's experienced worse and now that's she stronger that'll stand to her.
“She got the trip well. We are hunting black-type, whether she gets that or not we'll see but that's a step in the right direction and we're delighted with that.”
Sam Ewing, rider of Glorious Zoff trained by Mrs Denise Foster, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran very free.
C.J. MacRedmond, rider of Pure Nature (GB) trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got upset in stalls and was slowly away.
At the request of the Stewards, J.M. Sheridan, rider of Vermilion Cliffs trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount bounced out and got a nice position early, he had to get after him at the 7f pole, he came back on the bridle again before having to get after him again turning in where he found nothing and minded him thereafter.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Glorious Zoff, trained by Mrs Denise Foster, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Vermilion Cliffs, trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have sand at both nostril and coughing post race, probably as a result of kickback. Samples were taken for analysis.
(GC & EM)
