Slattery runners in tip-top shape

Eventual winner Red Sabor was 'up and at it' from an early stage of the Dundalk Business Club 2017 Handicap, along with his rivals Yulong Xiongyin and Fasuba Though some of the closers did finish with a rush, Andy Slattery's Red Sabor gamely found enough in the five furlong sprint under Declan McDonogh.

Slattery can turn his hand to any type of horse and the Cooldine string are certainly in form at present as this win was coming hot on the heels of Dimple's success in a hunter chase at Tramore on Monday evening. Stable stalwart Sharjah was also on the mark at this venue on Friday night.

Red Sabor eventually beat his aforementioned rivals by half a length and three parts of a length. De Boss Man and Tilly Trotter kept on without threatening in fourth and fifth.

"I fancied him. He was 14/1 last night and I told a few lads to have a few quid on him," said Slattery.

"He was second to Swish here as a two-year-old and was giving her weight then.

"He didn't stay seven furlongs at Naas the last day and like all mine he has taken a run.

"It was hard to know what kind of race it was, it looked a good race on paper.

"He's tough and he kind of has to be off the bridle, if he gets too much time to think about it he doesn't do it. He's a five or six furlong horse.

"There is a €50,000 three-year-old race at the Curragh and that will be his next run. He has won in soft ground at the Curragh over six so ground is not an issue to him."

The Stewards interviewed C.D. Hayes, rider of Fasuba, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found C.D. Hayes in breach of Reg 10 3.(g) (arm above shoulder) and (f) (force) and suspended him for 1 raceday.

(GC & EM)