Captains makes all to take the second

Captains Dilemma made it two from two for favourite backers at Dundalk, as he made all to take the second, the Ladbrokes Handicap.

Trained by Tracey Collins, the seven-year-old son of Captain Rio went close on his last couple of efforts, finishing second to Stoichkhov over the course and distance on his last start.

Sent off the 9/2 favourite this evening, the chestnut gelding broke smartly, and soon drifted over towards the rail under Gary Phillips.

He continued to lead into the straight, and he responded well for pressure, keeping on best in the closing stages to score by half a length. Tsar Paul (14/1) kept on to take second under Ana O’Brien for James Nash, while Stoichkhov was a further length and a quarter back in third under Ray Dawson for Michael Cleary at 5/1.

Tracey Collins said afterwards of her Herb Stanley owned winner: "He has been very difficult to train and to ride, but Gary did well on him.

"He is a big worrier but he is starting to relax back into racing. He has been consistent here. He is physically a very strong horse which helped in the straight in the wind and rain."

STEWARDS ENQUIRY

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the straight involving Red Laser ridden by S. Foley, unplaced, Shabra Emperor ridden by J.A. Heffernan, placed fifth, Stoichkhov, ridden by R. Dawson, placed third, Captains Dilemma, ridden by G.J. Phillips, placed first and Phils Wish ridden by E.J. McNamara, unplaced, where it appeared Phils Wish was forced to check.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found G. J. Phillips in breach of Rule 214 by riding carelessly by failing to take reasonable steps to avoid causing interference and having taken his record into account suspended him for four race days

Additional reporting by Michael Graham