'Special talent' doubles-up aboard Indiana Grey

After earlier winning the feature on Statement Dylan Browne-McMonagle doubled-up aboard Indiana Grey in the first divide of the Follow Us On Twitter Handicap.

Twice successful at Dundalk last winter, the Pat Martin trained six-year-old was last seen finishing seventh at Roscommon in August.

Available at 10/1 in early shows, the Zebedee grey eventually went off a 6/1 chance and was settled behind the leaders on the inner.

Pushed along to challenge from the two furlong pole, she was ridden and had a good tussle with Skontonovski with over a furlong left to race.

The Raymond Moore owned victor, who is rated just 40, gained the upper hand inside the final 100 yards and went on to prevail by half-a-length, from the aforementioned Skontonovski (9/2jfav from 11/2) and Ronan Whelan in second.

The other market leader was Han Solo and he finished a further two-and-quarter lengths back in third, with 10lb claimer Oisin Enright aboard.

"Everything fell into place today," Martin commented.

"She didn't miss the kick which she invariably does and had a good draw today, having had lousy draws for a while. The rain also helped as she needs an ease.

"I know she is effective in Dundalk but I've always felt she needs a bit of ease. She isn't that big but is heavy-topped and hits the ground hard.

"She was down to the bottom mark and was in danger of going out of the system. It is a very cruel game here in Ireland as if you go down to 40 and run bad, you are out of the system because you won't get into a race. That's where she was today."

On the winning rider, Martin added: "We are looking at a very good jockey and a special talent."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards received a request from Kevin Thomas Coleman, trainer of Swiss Army Officer to substitute the nominated rider Rachel Phelan, with Adam Caffrey, due to the rider informing him earlier that she would be unable to make the weight. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. Rachel Phelan, stated that she is a college student and was unable to loose the required weight prior to racing owing to college commitments. Kevin Thomas Coleman, stated that Ms. Phelan works for him in conjunction with attending college and that both he and the rider had not expected to get in being so far down the ballot, but had managed to get in when the race was divided leaving the rider with less time to prepare. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards allowed the request on this occasion. Furthermore, the Stewards were satisfied that Rachel Phelan was in breach of Rule 195 and having considered her record, they issued a fine of E150 on this occasion.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes