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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Handsworth makes it a good day for the Dempseys

Sat 18th Dec 2021, 15:58

Handsworth (second from right) wins as Siberian Star's rider loses his whip Handsworth (second from right) wins as Siberian Star's rider loses his whip
© Photo Healy Racing

The 2m4f handicap chase produced a stirring finish with Luke Dempsey forcing Handsworth (9/2) up close home to win by half a length.

The Jeremy gelding was one of four horses in contention racing down to the last and, despite the winning rider briefly dropping the reins on the run-in, just found a bit extra in the final fifty yards to land the spoils.

The 4/1 favourite Siberian Star (rider dropped whip after the last) was runner-up just in front of Enduring Love (10/1) with strong-travelling It’s Only A Number dropping to fourth close home having led from three out until after the last.

It was a first win on his twentieth start for Handsworth who had been runner-up at Gowran last month and was making his handicap chase debut.

For the winning rider it was a 43/1 double after winning the opener on Ardla

Winning trainer Philip Dempsey said: “He always worked well but was a bit disappointing over hurdles. I’d say he’s going to be better over fences. It was a great race as a spectacle and he battled well.

“It’s great for Luke riding a double and my daughter Sarah led him up and won the best turned out so it’s been a great day all round.”

Quotes from Alan Magee

About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.