"Learning on the job" and Never Mistabeat making hay for connections

There was a third winning favourite in as many races at Dundalk when Never Mistabeat (9/4) took the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap at his ease for Jarlath Fahey and Ronan Whelan.

The winner wasn’t the smartest into stride, but he was much much better than Maricruz who was very slowly away and lost considerable ground at the start.

To the credit of Maricruz she eventually came through for the second, but she was four and a half lengths off Never Mistabeat.

It was three parts of a length to Pretty Little Liar in third.

Since equipped with blinkers Never Mistabeat now has form figures of ‘121’at this venue since January.

“It’s great to get another win out of him. He was impressive again and is a horse that is learning on the job,” said Fahey.

“The blinkers have worked and woke him up big time. They have focused his mind.

“He’s a fine big horse and we gave him a year off to grow into himself. We’re getting the benefit of that now.

“We’ll see what the handicapper does and he’s in for another hike again. Maybe he could run here on the Finals day over a mile and four or we could go on to the turf with him.

“Ronan’s first cousin Jamie runs the syndicate and there’s also some locals around Monasterevin involved in Park Hill Racing.”

J.A. Powell, rider of Ragtime Red trained by Anthony McCann, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was slowly away.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Morph Speed trained by John Christopher Hassett, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Stewards enquired into an incident on the run to the first bend involving Believe Jack (FR), ridden by Sam Ewing, Wojood (GB), ridden by J.M. Sheridan, and The Perch ridden by S.P. Bird, where it appeared The Perch got tight for room.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Sam Ewing gave his evidence in the presence of Mr. K.R. O'Ryan.

S.P. Bird stated that his mount got tight for room at the bend.

J.M. Sheridan stated that he kept his mount in a straight line and was minding the horses on his inner.

Sam Ewing stated that his mount broke ok but raced greenly and things got a little tight, from the inside out.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action other than to advise Sam Ewing to ride with more care in future.

(AM & EM)