Artful Approach and James Ryan© Photo Healy Racing
Artful Approach opened his account at the tenth attempt when swooping late under James Ryan to land the Clayton Hotel Galway Handicap. Louiescall made a bold bid from the front in this seven-furlong event and still looked a likely winner a furlong out.
However, the Jack Davison-trained Artful Approach really got motoring inside the final furlong to snatch the lead in the closing stages.
The 7/1 shot had a length and a half to spare over Cuban Question who just denied Louiescall for the runner-up spot.
Davison said, "I thought he was well handicapped because he just hadn't got his act together in his races to this point. I thought if he could get it together today he would be competitive so it's great.
“He was drawn 21 in Fairyhouse and was four wide the whole way. He learned something the last day and the handicapper left him alone, thankfully, which put him in a position to win today.
“Hopefully this guy might reappear at the weekend.”
On winning rider James Ryan he added: “I think he had his first ride for me two yeas ago when he was first starting out and I could see immediately he was very talented.
“I'm not surprised all the big trainers are using him because it's nearly five free pounds, he's excellent. He has a very good attitude and has got a big future.”
James Ryan said, “I’ve ridden him twice and he can just run with the choke out a bit early doors.
“I got a lovely draw, settled well, got boxed in around the bend but it probably worked out well as I had something to aim at. He hit the line well.”
Quotes by Gary Carson
