The Vik gets off the mark for in-form Slattery

Andy Slattery moved to his best yearly total today, as the trainer's The Vik narrowly landed Killarney's John J Galvin & Son Median Auction Maiden under his son, jockey Andrew Slattery.

The Vik made all and while strongly pressed in the closing stages by Fashion Flair held on for a short-head win.

It was trainer Slattery's 24th flat winner of the year, his best total, and afterwards said “he was fifth to Luxembourg here last year but has gone downhill after that and it has taken him a long time to get back.

"He got no run whatsoever at Galway and then ran well in Bellewstown when he was blown away by a horse on fast ground. He got the run of today's race, got a lovely ride and won with a bit in hand as he was lugging out the whole way.

“He is by Fast Company and wants soft ground and is out of a mare who is a soft-ground influence. He'll run again and the owners, Sean, Ronan and David Halley, will probably sell as they buy yearlings and two year olds all the time.”