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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Eddie a local winner for McNiff at Sligo

Tue 16th May 2023, 19:55

Sneddy Eddie  Ronan Whelan left win the Wildroots Festival Handicap Sneddy Eddie Ronan Whelan left win the Wildroots Festival Handicap
© Photo Healy Racing

Local trainer Mark McNiff was back in the winners' enclosure at his home track following the success of Sneddy Eddie in the Wildroots Festival Handicap at Sligo.

The Churchill gelding hadn't shown a great deal in three runs in maidens prior to his handicap debut at Gowran Park recently but knew his job here and was smartly away from stalls under Ronan Whelan.

The benefit of that initial experience in handicap company certainly wasn't lost on the McNiff runner as he repelled all challengers in the straight to land the spoils by three-quarters-of-a-length.

Ronan Whelan said: "It was straightforward. He jumped well,we were drawn two and the horse in stall one took us along so it was a nice race for me.

"He was a bit unexposed. He didn't have the run of the race at Gowran and Paddy Harnett looked after him. He told me he'd run a big race today.

"It's a big advantage when you've a low draw and you can get out, and we were on the freshest ground as well.

"He will stay further and his pedigree would suggest that as well. He's a little bit buzzy but the more racing he gets, the more he'll mature and settle down."

"It's nice to get a winner for Mark at his local track."

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan

1st
13/2
Tote €7.50 €2.50
2nd
0.75L
20/1
€5.30
3rd
1L
12/1
€2.60
4th
1L
9/4Fav
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.