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Tom Weekes

Tom Weekes

Martin hails 'great job' from apprentice Whearty

Wed 17th Nov 2021, 17:07

Indiana Grey (right) and Robert WheartyIndiana Grey (right) and Robert Whearty
© Photo Healy Racing

Indiana Grey recorded a third career win at Dundalk today, landing the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Apprentice Handicap (div II) for trainer Pat Martin, who later praised winning 7lbs claiming jockey Robert Whearty.

The daughter of Zebedee, previously successful at Limerick and at today's venue in 2020, was held up in rear-division and while checked early in the home straight, quickened well in the final furlong to edge ahead close home and beat Colonel Slade by half a length.

Martin later said “the kid (Whearty) was very strong. She takes a bit of riding and is not quite as quick as she used to be.

“We used to be able to drop her in and come home strong. The last day we ran her more prominently and possibly didn’t quite get home so we were trying to do a balancing act and he did a great job.”

He added “she’s taken a while to come back to herself this year but the last run was encouraging having ridden her totally different than we used to. I think we got the balance spot on tonight and Robert did a great job.

“She wouldn’t have got the mile well last year but she’s a bit older and is quite a bit stronger than she used to be.

“I’m delighted for Ray Moore who is with me a long time and is an incredibly lucky owner. He resides in Spain now and will be delighted.”

Quotes from Alan Magee

About Tom Weekes
A lifelong racing fan, Tom began writing point to point reports in 2002 and has reported for irishracing.com since 2003, when he joined Irish Racing Services - since taken over by the Press Association. Has ridden a point to point winner and won the 2018 Irish Field Naps Table.