John O'Riordan
Sheridan times it to perfection on Duffy's Plume Noire
Naas 19 May 2024Plume Noire and Joey Sheridan win for owner Frank Duffy and trainer Brian Duffy Healy Racing
© Photo Healy Racing
Joey Sheridan delivered the Brian Duffy trained Plume Noire from off the pace to make a winning reappearance in the Tote Guarantee Available On Course & Tote.ie Handicap at Naas.
The six-year-old mare, owned by the trainers father Frank, was a three-time winner prior to today but had never won, over even reached the frame, over a mile.
However, the extended trip proved to be no barrier on this occasion as she stayed on in determined fashion under a well judged ride from Sheridan.
Mid division early doors, as Spanish Tenor adopted his customary front running role, Sheridan was pushing away on the eventual winner over two furlongs out but his mount found extra to go second a furlong from the finish.
Keeping on all the way to the line, as the leader began to tire in front, Plume Noire led inside the last 150 yards to win by a length and a half from the staying on Desert Haven
Joey Sheridan said: “I felt like we went a good gallop, and the plan was to take my time as she was without a recent run and ride her to come home.
“Off a strong tempo I was able to get the gaps and she quickened up well. She pricked her ears in front and had a blow so there should be plenty of improvement.
“She was changing her legs a lot and I think she would rather a little ease. She’d have no problem coming back to seven either.
“Seven furlongs or a mile with a bit of ease in the ground is her thing.
“I rode her in this race last year and Frank (Duffy, owner) said she was a good bit fitter this year. Hopefully it will be a good season for her.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee.