Breathe Easy (Rory Cleary, right) was too strong for Catchy Lass (Pat Smullen) in the closing stages© Photo Healy Racing
Ten to one chance Breathe Easy (Rory Cleary) had a length and three parts to find with the favourite, Catchy Lass on their meeting over the course and distance three weeks ago. He made up the deficit and indeed found another half a length to reverse the placings in the Dundalk Stadium – Light Up Your Night Maiden.
The successful chestnut son of Redback, took a keen hold here the last night. This time though he put in a more relaxed, always prominent effort, before getting the better of a three way tussle with Catchy Lass and Wither Hills staying on best inside the final furlong to prevail.
"The family are very hot and Everina (Kilfeather, winning owner) got him for next to nothing," revealed successful trainer Sabrina Harty.
"He's a bit mentally unstable! He tries to be sane but he's a nervous horse and he's been difficult to train. It's credit to the great team we have.
"He has a classy way about him though and it's fantastic. He stuck at it well and surprised us how hardy he was.
"If he stays right mentally we'll have a lot of fun with him.
"He's bred for speed but has a big stride and stays well. He could even end up hurdling down the line. That's only his third run."
The Stewards fined Mrs Seamus Hayes, trainer, €130 for lodging a passport in respect of Overlander in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.
C.D. Hayes, rider of Well Hello trained by J.T.Gorman, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung badly.
An authorised representative of Patrick O.Brady, trainer, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge Shabra Charity was lame on finishing.
D.A. McCormack, rider of Overlander, trained by Mrs Seamus Hayes, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran green early, dived onto the rails around the first bend, lost his action about 7 furlongs from home and was pulled up.
The Stewards enquired into an incident on the turn just before the home straight involving Pipe Band ridden by A.P. Thornton, unplaced, Wither Hills, ridden by J.P. O'Brien, placed third, Papaya ridden by F.M. Berry, unplaced and Rhians Hope ridden by J.A. Heffernan, unplaced, where it appeared Papaya suffered interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion J.A. Heffernan was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having taken his good record into account, they severely cautioned him.
(GC & EM)
