McGuinness & Caffrey gain compensation with Sirjack Thomas

Narrowly denied with Laugh A Minute in the previous contest, Adrian McGuinness and Adam Caffrey gained compensation with Sirjack Thomas in the concluding Novibet Blog Handicap.

Recording his seventh career success and his first since July of 2021, the admirable grey was sent off a 16/1 chance in the colours of Dooley Thoroughbreds.

Settled behind the leaders, he edged towards the centre of the track from the three furlong pole and was ridden over a furlong out.

The eight-year-old soon shot through to lead and kept up the gallop all the way to the line, coming home half-a-length to the good.

Supported from 20s to 10s, Coeur D'or was a fast-finishing second under Chris Hayes for Dermot Weld, while Jafeel (12/1), also trained by McGuinness, was just a neck away in third

The Willie McCreery-trained Helpmeout (16/1) completed the places in fourth, while Facethepuckout who was sent off the 3/1 favourite, finished seventh.

"Adam was unlucky not to ride a double and is good value for his 7lb. He probably won't have it for much longer and gave him a great ride," McGuinness commented.

"This horse loves Galway and was down to a very competitive mark today. He won a Premier Handicap here Derby weekend a few years ago and is a classy horse.

"Unfortunately the Dooleys aren't here. They were to come over but there was a last minute change."

STEWARDS REPORTS

Amy Jo Hayes, rider of Dare To Flare trained by Andrew Slattery, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount was slowly away from the starting stalls.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Adrian McGuinness, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Sirjack Thomas, placed first, as compared with its recent run at Cork on the 5th May when finishing last on soft to heavy ground. The trainer reported that the sound underfoot conditions and his charge showing a liking for the Curragh brought about the improved performance. Having considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards noted the content of the report.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee