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Mark Nunan
No Say Ever wins Breast Cancer Ireland Handicap
No Say Ever and Nikita Kane win for trainer Amanda Mooney
© Photo Healy Racing
No Say Ever (7/1) won the concluding Breast Cancer Ireland Lady Riders Handicap for Dunboyne trainer Amanda Mooney and Flat apprentice Nikita Kane.
Held up early on, Kane, who’s based with Johnny Murtagh on the Curragh, made a race-winning move three furlongs out, sending her mount towards the head of affairs.
The 5-year-old gelding went on early in the straight and maintained his advantage to the line, scoring by two and three quarter lengths from In From The Cold (16/1) with the 6/4 favourite Dancing Approach back in third.
Successful in a maiden at Gowran last term, the winner performed well in defeat in a few handicaps as well, notably when fifth in the Naas November Handicap at the back-end.
Winning trainer Amanda Mooney said: “He's a lovely horse, he's hard work but he's worth it.
“I think he's one of the few No Nay Nevers that actually stays. Nikita rides him out a bit at home so she knew he can be slightly cracked and you just ignore it.
“Once he races he's very genuine. Fingers crossed he comes out alright and we'll pick another race for him.
“We did try to hurdle him but he just wasn't settled enough. There are plenty of years left, he's only five now, so I don't see the point in rushing him and blowing his brains or having an accident.
“I'll keep him on the Flat and if he progresses from here I'll give him the winter off. As a six or seven-year-old we could look at jumping. He jumps no problem but just needs to keep a lid on life.
“He's brilliant. He has a companion horse and won't go in his stable but he's grand.”
Quotes from Gary Carson