Enigma Code best in Laytown opener

Damian English and Ian McCarthy were on the mark at Laytown for the first time as Enigma Code showed his toughness to take the opening Tote Mobile Betting Handicap.

Always to the fore, the multiple Dundalk victor and a winner at Down Royal too, got the better of a protracted tussle with Ucanchoose – coming out on top by half a length. Little Arrows came from behind and he devoured ground in the final furlong to get up for third – two and a half lengths adrift – whilst there was a neck further back to yesterday's Roscommon winner, Jembatt (running for the third day in a row).

English runners Dana's Present (7/2 favourite) and Emkanaat could manage no better than sixth and eighth place respectively.

English commented: "He's as tough as nails. He actually ran very well at the Curragh (6th on Sunday) but it was a no sticks apprentice race and he's the type of horse that just needs a slap.

"I took the decision to put Ian on him here as he's a strong rider and I didn't want him carrying a lot of lead – it's paid dividends.

"He's an eight-year-old now and there's nothing new I can teach him.

"He comes down here every day for a splash in the water – we're only fifteen minutes from here."

Meanwhile McCarthy explained: "He's tough and Damian does a great job with his horses. He rang me the other day saying that this fella would have a good chance and I took out a flat licence to ride him." (GC & EM)