Marnane's Maddox makes it 10 in Laytown opener

Jered Maddox (8/1) brought his career tally to 10, as he just prevailed in the opener at Laytown this evening, the Download The New Tote App Handicap.

An easy winner over the course and distance last year, the David Marnane-trained eight-year-old had been disappointing during the summer and was sent off an 8/1 chance today.

In rear early under Luke McAteer, who was registering his first win at the seaside venue, the Lawman bay made progress when pushed along on the outer with over two-furlongs to go.

Ridden to challenge with over a furlong to race, he soon improved into a share of the lead, staying on best in the closing stages to beat Not Forgotten by a short head.

The runner-up was also returned at 8/1 under Ronan Whelan, while Revenite the outsider of the field at 50/1, was a further two-lengths away in third.

Bidding for his third win at Laytown, Dream Ahead (7/2f) faded towards the business end of this six-furlong affair and he eventually finished last.

"He's a talented horse on his day. He obviously loves the place - it is a funny track, some horses just come alive here and he does," Marnane commented.

"He won really easily last year and then he has been high in the handicap. He has had a couple of disappointing runs, but the handicapper has been fair to him now and dropped him down quick enough. I think he was pretty much off the same mark (as last year's win here).

"His last run kind of disappointed me, but his third-last run was actually quite good - he was only beaten two and a-half lengths in a very good sprint in Dundalk. It was a strong race.

"I'm delighted for Luke (McAteer) and the boys (the City Equine II Syndicate). He has been a great servant to be fair. He wins two or three races every year - if they win one, you've had a good time of it!

"We love to have one to run here. Unfortunately, most of the yard is two and three-year-olds, so they can't run. We have got to hold on to him for another year!

"He's probably been on the go all summer, so I might give him a little holiday now and we'll bring him back for the height of the winter (in Dundalk)."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards approved a request from Clerk of the Course, Mr. B. Sheridan, for an additional ten minutes to the off time of the first race owing to operational reasons.

D. McMonagle, rider of Enough Already (GB), trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got tight for room at the half way point.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Dream Today trained by Jack W. Davison, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

C.J. MacRedmond, rider of Dream Today, trained by Jack W. Davison, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped quickly.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident at approximately the half way point involving Enough Already (GB), ridden by D. McMonagle and Revenite, ridden by N.M. Crosse, where it appeared that Enough Already had to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. D. McMonagle stated that his mount was struggling at that point in the race and he received slight contact from his left. N.M. Crosse stated that his mount was not straight forward and he moved right off heels at a point where the track narrows. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards did not apportion blame to any rider and took no further action.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham