Exquisite Acclaim and Shane Foley © Photo Healy Racing
Exquisite Acclaim kept up the red hot form of Jessica Harrington and Shane Foley when claiming the Irish EBF Median Sire Series Maiden at Dundalk.
The Acclamation colt was sent to post 7/4 joint-favourite in first time cheekpieces after some solid efforts in his three previous runs.
Foley tracked the leaders before asking his mount for an effort early in the straight. He stayed on to claim front-runner Takana passing the furlong pole and went on to post a length-and-three-quarter win.
40/1 shot Marsa kept on to claim the runner-up spot.
The winner had been fourth behind Hms Endeavour who won today's opening race, last time at Navan.
Foley said afterwards:- “It worked out perfect, the cheekpieces helped him and the surface has helped him.
“I didn't think it would take until now for him to win as he works like a nice horse at home.
“His form had been good. He got lost a bit in the sales race (at Naas) and I probably rode him a bit too aggressively the last day in Navan. The horse that won that won the first well today.
“He's a grand horse and will be a fun horse next year.”
