Manhattan Dandy off the mark at 43rd time of asking

The Little Acorns Syndicate were able to celebrate victory with Manhattan Dandy who got off the mark on his 43rd start in the second split of the Guinness Apprentice Handicap in Roscommon.

The 12/1 shot raced in the second rank of horses just behind the leaders turning in. He then delivered his challenge on the outer to head Leviosa over a furlong from home.

Robert Whearty kept him up to his work to beat a rallying Leviosa (11/1) by half a length.

Trainer Thomas Coyle said: "I'm delighted for the syndicate as they have kept faith, well most of them!

“He ran very consistently last year but just didn't get the breaks at times. The horse deserved it more than anything.

“He's kind of like a pet at home, he's a favourite. I'm delighted for the lads to get a win and hopefully he can build from this.

“It's never weight that's going to stop him, it's just his head. Hopefully now that he's got one he might keep going a little bit because he works like a decent horse. Hopefully this can change his mind a bit.

“The last day he was a bit wired before the race and ran no sort of race. We gave him a little break and freshened him up and it did the job.”

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident shortly after the start involving Curzon Queen ridden by O. McSweeney, Manhattan Dandy, ridden by R. Whearty, and Pollanassa ridden by C. Stone-Walsh where it appeared Curzon Queen and Pollanassa got tight for room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. O. McSweeney stated that his mount missed the break, he gave her a squeeze but the gap was gone as he got pressure from his outside. C. Stone-Walsh stated that he was slowly away, he kicked up into a gap but got pressure from his outside. R. Whearty stated that he jumped quick from the gates, his mount locked-on and was very keen, he heard a shout and tried to keep straight but was unable to do so. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found R. Whearty, was in breach of Rule 214 in that they had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended him for one race day.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson