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- UK raider lands gamble in style
Donal Murphy
UK raider lands gamble in style
Ivasecret comes home in splendid isolation under Seamie Heffernan
© Photo Healy Racing
UK raider Ivasecret landed a gamble in style, as he trounced 10-rivals in the tote.ie Claiming Race after getting in as first reserve.
Turned out again quickly after finishing sixth of 12 at Bath on Saturday, the Ian Williams-trained six-year-old was available at 11/1 in early shows for this seven-furlong contest, eventually going off the clear favourite at 7/4.
A bit awkward away from the stalls under Seamie Heffernan, the now six-time winner was soon settled behind the leaders on the inner.
Taking closer order with over two furlongs to race, he soon improved to lead and quickly increased his advantage, eventually coming home six-lengths to the good in the colours of V7 Recruitment Ltd.
The Pat Murphy-trained Fly To Glory (12/1 from 25s) finished a gallant second after attempting to make all under Luke McAteer, while Beauty Bella (13/2) was another three and a quarter lengths away in third.
"These are our first runners here. We came last year, had a look around and liked it. We wanted to come and have some winners!" Williams revealed.
"We really enjoyed the experience last year, so we came back and had some runners.
"It is unique - it must be for him to win like that believe you me! He was formerly owned by a lovely chap Brendan Doyle and we just couldn't win with the horse.
"He has got bags of ability, but plenty of issues. He has done what he has done tonight and he has done it well.
"It is a great place to bring horses if you want to do something a little bit different.
"They travelled over yesterday. They travelled well and to be fair to the guys here at Laytown have looked after the girls and the horses.
"They stabled about six miles from here and the stables were lovely.
"We will definitely come back - I don't know what it would be like when the weather is pretty rough!
"It is great and there is a huge crowd."
On taking over the bragging rights from Jamie Osborne, he added: "Jamie is getting old! People have to appreciate that Jamie is getting a bit past it these days.
"I'm sure Saffie will be bringing horses out here soon."
With all runners in for a price of E5,000, three were later claimed. Tommy Sheridan bought the winner who will now be trained by Cian Collins, while Beauty Bella and Miss Abby Jools were also purchased by John McConnell and Niamh Doyle respectively.
STEWARDS REPORTS
D. McMonagle, rider of Cordouan (FR), trained by R.Donohoe, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel in running.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Cordouan (FR), trained by R.Donohoe, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have blood at the nose post race.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham