"Old legend" Bucket back at number one

At nine apiece Hes Our Music and Shake The Bucket are the joint winning-most horses on the polytrack at Dundalk. The latter secured his latest success in division one of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk Handicap.

Many thought that Keith Clarke had secured a deserved success on the evening through Tenth Amendment but the photo showed that 12/1 chance Shake The Bucket had got there by a nose.

Winning trainer and jockey, Niall and Tom Madden, are in good form after their win with Gilded Reflection at the last meeting here, at odds of 33/1 just last Friday.

Aa Bee See also did the business for the father and son team — at Fairyhosue last week.

"He travelled great tonight and nine times out of ten when he gets into a battle he's very hard to beat," said Madden junior.

"He's a tough, genuine old horse — he's an old legend. The more you can get stuck into him, and grab a hold of him, he loves the battle.

"We bred him and still have the mare at home. She's still popping out a few foals. It's a great old family of horses.

"He worked on the Curragh early on Sunday morning, when no-one could see us, and he worked well. Myself and Dad were happy enough.

"His horses are flying and it's great. He's had three winners in the last couple of weeks. Touch wood it keeps going and he gets a few more winners.

"I've had four in the last month so it's great. I started off the season well and it went quiet enough during the middle of the summer. I had plenty of rides but was just hitting the crossbar at times. The last couple of weeks have been great.

"I might even get the jumps licence out and get a few spins over hurdles out of Dad. I'd be able to claim off 9-10!"

The Stewards requested a report from Niall Madden, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Shake The Bucket, placed first, as compared with it's most recent run at Dundalk on Ooctober 3rd, when finishing last of 14 runners.

The trainer reported that his charge had disappointed on his previous run for no apparent reason.

He added that he had gave him a rest and turned him out in an attempt to freshen him up and this in his opinion, had brought about the apparent improvement in form.

Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

The Stewards received a report from Mr. H.T Hynes, Turf Club Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that D.E. Sheehy , rider of Freedom Chimes (GB) , weighed in at 1.4 lbs overweight.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned and from Sarah Lynam, trainer of Freedom Chimes (GB).

Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that D.E. Sheehy was in breach of Rule 231 and having considered his record, issued a caution

(GC & EM)