Mokhalad out quick to continue love affair with Naas

Mokhalad is now a three time winner over six furlongs at Naas, taking the Thank You To The HSE & Frontline Workers Handicap after finishing twelfth at Tipperary yesterday.

In the Galaxy Horse Racing Syndicate silks Gavin Ryan came from off the pace on the nicely supported 13/2 shot Mokhalad, to beat well-backed favourite Master Matt (6s into 4s) by a length.

“Five furlongs probably wasn’t his ideal trip in Tipperary but he’s a horse that needs to run regularly. He doesn’t get a whole pile of work at home and needs to run regularly,” said Ryan on the Damian English-trained Mokhalad.

Ryan added: “He loves coming to Naas and his best form is probably here. The strong headwind today made it a real tough test and that’s the way he relishes it.

“He’s a horse that races behind the bridle a bit early on and does his best work at the finish.”

The Stewards enquired into an incident inside the final furlong involving Mokhalad (GB), ridden by G.M. Ryan, placed first and Inflection Point ridden by C.T. Keane, placed fourth, where it appeared Inflection Point had to check off the heels of Mokhalad (GB) who had drifted across him. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that G.M. Ryan had caused the incident by riding carelessly. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended G.M. Ryan for 1 raceday.

The Stewards requested a report from Damian Joseph English, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Mokhalad (GB), placed first, as compared with its previous run at Tipperary last evening where he finished twelfth of fifteen runners over five furlongs. Craig English, Authorised representative for Damian Joseph English reported that their charge ran last evening at Tipperary over five furlongs and had lost ground at the start by fly leaping when the stalls opened which left him at the rear of the field and he was unable to get back into contention but ran on well in the closing stages. He added that today their charge had jumped smarter and appreciated the extra furlong and a stiffer finish which allowed him to stay on well and lead close home. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.

(AM & EM)