18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
icon
John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Midnight Stagger avoids carnage to win Dundalk Nursery

Fri 4th Oct 2024, 19:15

Midnight Stagger and Wesley JoyceMidnight Stagger and Wesley Joyce
© Photo Healy Racing

In a race where it paid to be on the front end, the Jack Davison trained Midnight Stagger kept on strongly inside the final furlong to win the William Hill More Top Prices Nursery Handicap at Dundalk.

Sent off 4/1f, the Galileo Gold gelding was prominent throughout under Wesley Joyce, before being pushed up to press leader Katie Ross early in the straight.

As the leaders came stands side, there was trouble in behind as a number of those towards rear got tightened up for room.

Getting to the front inside the final furlong, Midnight Stagger did enough to repel the late challenge of Admirador by half-a-length.

Jack Davison said: "Yes (another step forward), he's just a bit late maturing really.

"I'd say we will go again up here.

"He's still having a good look there when he hit the front - he's never been up here, to be fair, and the lights is all new to a horse. Even running in evening time when we are losing light is all new.

"Hopefully, we can maybe follow up before the turn of the year."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham.

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.