Half Nutz 'sweet as a nut' in Naas

Half Nutz bounced back to winning form with a 12/1 victory in the six furlong premier handicap at Naas.

Wayne Lordan ’s mount travelled well on the heels of the leaders before being switched right to deliver his challenge over a furlong from home.

Half Nutz and Silver Spear then got into a jostling match for position before Half Nutz came through to lead in the final 100 yards.

He readily moved two and a half lengths clear of Lustown Baba (7/2) at the winning post. Silver Spear (11/1) was a neck away in a dead heat for third with Kokura (11/1) who had edged left to precipitate the jostling.

Following a stewards enquiry into possible interference, Silver Spear was placed third and Kokura fourth.

Trainer Sheila Lavery said: “I’m delighted with that. We tried him over five and Wayne got off him the last day and said this was his trip.

“He’s improving. Last year he was running a bit free and just a bit hard on himself but now he’s as sweet as a nut.

“We could try him over seven now if something comes up as he’s much easier to ride. It’s a great syndicate that own him and it’s such a pity that they can’t be here.”

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages of this race involving Silver Spear, ridden by A.J. Slattery, dead heated for third, Half Nutz, ridden by W.M. Lordan, placed first and Kokura (GB), ridden by D.E. Sheehy, dead heated for third, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Kokura had caused interference to Silver Spear and in doing so had improved its finishing position. The Stewards therefore amended the result of the dead heat and placed Silver Spear third and Kokura fourth. They took no further action.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee