Dream delivers in Down Royal opener

Dream Ticket bounced back from some disappointing efforts to take the opener at Down Royal, the Watch Racing TV With Free Trial Now Handicap.

Twice a runner-up at Dundalk in November, the Willie McCreery-trained chestnut failed to make an impact in recent starts and was sent off a 20/1 chance this afternoon.

Upped in trip to a mile-and-a-quarter for the first time, the Leigh Roche ridden victor was short of room in the early stages and dropped back to mid-division from her initial position behind the leaders.

Pushed along with three furlongs to race and soon switched to the outer, she had every chance when ridden from the furlong pole and ultimately stayed on best to lead in the closing stages, prevailing by half-a-length at the line.

Sent to the front with two-furlongs to go, Model Approach (7/1) couldn't last it out and had to settle for second under Gabriella Hill for Jim Bolger, while outsider Dancing Steve (66/1) was another half-a-length away in third.

Returned the well-supported 5/2 favourite (from 9/2), Presence finished fourth.

"We went good and hard and there was a big panic for the first two furlongs, and I just got a little shuffled back on the rail," Roche reflected.

"She didn't like being hustled and bustled, so I travelled away nicely. I came there and switched out down the straight, and she picked up nicely and did it well.

"I think she will probably get a mile-and-a-half.

"It is good to get a winner for the owners, they have a big stud farm (Oghill House) so whatever she does this year, I'd say it will be straight to the covering shed."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident on the run to the first bend involving Model Approach, ridden by Gabriella Hill, placed second, Presence, ridden by S.T. McCullagh, placed fourth, Galician Girl, ridden by C.T. Keane, placed fifth, Punta Coco, ridden by G.P. Halpin, unplaced, Dream Ticket (FR), ridden by L.F. Roche, placed first, and My Mate Tony, ridden by N.M. Crosse, unplaced, where it appeared L.F. Roche had to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. L.F. Roche stated that he had to take back on the point of the bend but received no contact. C.T. Keane stated that he kept a straight line. S.T. McCullagh stated that he kept a straight line and was well clear. Gabriella Hill stated that she kept a straight line. G.P. Halpin stated that things just got a bit tight on the point of the bend. N.M. Crosse stated that he kept as straight as he possibly could. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined My Mate Tony, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham