Riding his third winner Luke McAteer displayed serious confidence in his mount, Admodum (8/1 into 11/2), and his faith was justified when Jim Bolger's charge landed the Thomastown Handicap at Gowran.

The American-bred five-year-old came sweeping down the outer from behind inside the final quarter mile to secure an unlikely victory. He got there in the closing stages to touch off Koybig by three parts of a length.

McAteer's claim is now reduced down to seven pounds from ten.

"I just let him find his feet and got him to travel into the bend and they were always coming back to me. He stayed at it for me and the 10lb made a difference," reported McAteer (18 tomorrow).

"That's the 10lb claim gone. I am doing nearly my bottom weight today."

Bolger stable representative Ger Flynn meanwhile commented: "He was slowly away the last twice and he gave him a chance. A patient ride was the way to ride him."

The Stewards requested a report from J.S. Bolger, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Admodum (USA), placed first, as compared with its recent form. Ger Flynn, authorised representative for the trainer, reported that Admodum (USA) had disappointed in the past when failing to get involved. He said the animal switched off early today and was ridden wide in plenty of light, in what he felt was a lesser race and felt this had helped to bring about the apparent improvement improvement in form. Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

S. Foley, rider of Yamato trained by M.Halford, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount got held up in the straight.

Damian Joseph English, trainer of Red Avenger (USA), reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge was found to be lame post race.

(AM & EM)