Harbour Wind (noseband) and Dancing Tango battle out the finish© Photo Healy Racing
Dermot Weld has mooted the Melbourne Cup as a possible long term target for Harbour Wind after his battling success in the feature at Limerick, the Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Martin Molony Stakes.
A model of consistency, the Nathaniel four-year-old was last seen finishing second in the Group 2 Prix Chaudenay at Longchamp in September.
Widely expected to make a winning return this afternoon, the Moyglare Stud Farm owned bay was sent off the clear favourite at 6/5 under Chris Hayes.
Settled in second, the market leader improved to dispute early in the straight and was ridden to the front with a furlong and a half to go.
Strongly pressed and narrowly headed by Dancing Tango inside the final 150 yards, he battled back in determined fashion and was just a short head in front at the line.
Returned at 12/1, Dancing Tango had to settle for second under treble seeking Declan McDonogh, while Serious Challenge (7/1) was another three and a quarter lengths back in third.
On what was a rare visit to Greenmount Park, Weld said in the aftermath: "It was a workmanlike, battling performance under a very good ride from Chris Hayes.
"Regarding future plans, we'll see how he comes out of this race and discuss with the owner. That race will sharpen him and I think he will be better over further.
"The Melbourne Cup is a long way away but is in my thoughts. It is early days though and he has to step up.
"It is a few years since I was last in Limerick and while I have been fortunate to win this race a few times, it is always special as Martin Molony rode my mother and father's first winner, in the 1950s."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
