Nathan completes great night for the Crosse family

Not to be outdone by younger brother Shane who registered a double on the card, Nathan Crosse won the concluding Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap (division two) on outsider Tomwontlisten

This 25/1 shot, representing the Maze Syndicate and County Down trainer Clare Cannon (2nd outing for her), prevailed in a real blanket finish - touching off Hey Pretty and Dolly Levi by a short head and the same.

It was just a nose then to Arlecchino's Rock in fourth.

"The boys (Maze Syndicate) gave me a chance with her after I did well during the summer with a horse, so it is nice because I really only train for my family," said Miss Cannon. 

"It has been great to get a winner for some outside owners. They are a set of Dublin owners and they contacted me because of Innamorare winning. They had been following me and wanted to give me a chance.

"When I was training Innomorare in May I was beaten a nose, so I have come out the wrong side of photo finishes. I lost Innamorare in a claimer but that's life, but she had three wins for me. You just have to go forward.

"I train on the beach in Ballywalter (Co Down) but this time of year we are in the field with the sheep. In the summer time when the fields are firm we go down the beach. 

"I think everybody always thought a wee bit of her but she has just taken a bit of time. I'm hoping that just might be the start of it." 

G.P. Halpin, rider of Pedro De Styles (FR) trained by T.J. O'Mara, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got a bump when the stalls opened and came home well.

R. Coakley, rider of Figure It Out trained by Richard Brabazon, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right.

The Stewards requested a report from Miss Clare Louise Cannon, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Tomwontlisten, placed first, as compared with its recent form.

The trainer reported that her charge has only been in her care for a short period.

She said she had thought the animal would be suited by a trip of 1 mile and 2 furlongs on its previous run but disappointed and felt the drop back in trip today, had helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form.

Having considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the content of the report.

(MG & EM)