Halford's Sky Seven takes 'Red God' Handicap under Whelan

Confirmed all-weather performer Sky Seven (14/1) landed the Irish Stallion Farms EBF ‘Red God’ Handicap in the hands of Ronan Whelan.

It appears to be the case that the newly-laid surface is riding pretty slow and with plenty of kick-back.

Prominent racers seem to be helped by the fact that it’s difficult for those being ridden patiently to make up a lot of ground.

In this instance Sky Seven was never far from the pace and kept on well to beat Charcor by a length and a quarter, with Mirann (5/1) coming from well back in the field to claim third spot another half a length away. The 7/2 favourite Baby Zeus finished sixth.

The winning 4-year-old, by Helmet, had won at two and three at this track and had gone close several times in handicaps as well, but this was his first win in such company.

The winning trainer Michael Halford said: “I didn't even see the race as I was in with the physio getting some work done on my back!”

“I was just listening to it while getting needles stuck into me.

“He loves it around here and he's after getting strong so he handled the slower surface.

“It's a great pot to win with him. The horses have been hitting the crossbar for ages without getting their head in front.

“The owner is a great supporter of ours and a great supporter of Irish racing so I'm thrilled for him.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson