Kuwait Direction (near side)© Photo Healy Racing
The second split of the six furlong handicap was won by 28/1 chance Kuwait Direction in the hands of Gavin Ryan.
A maiden winner at Dundalk in 2020, the Kodiac gelding was always prominent, gained a narrow lead over a furlong out and managed to repel the strong challenge of Company Keeping by a neck. Rocky Dreams and Hot Sunset filled the frame while the 15/8 favourite Secret Road (fifth) was disadvantaged by stumbling badly coming out of the stalls.
Formerly with James McAuley, the five-year-old was having his third start for winning trainer Keith Clarke who said: “He's a grand little horse. We just freshened him up and a smaller yard like ours probably worked a treat with him.
“I'm gutted for Rory Cleary (rode Princess Plumeria who finished last) who has rode work on him. He rode him the last twice and told me that he probably wanted a stiff six and something with a bend.
“The girlfriend Sarah rides work on him all the time and we've been riding him in behind. He's a different horse when we get him in front.
“Gavin said he was from a bad draw to try and get there but when he did get his head in front, even when the second horse came, nothing was going to get him.
Quotes from Gary Carson
