Adieux and Wayne Lordan come home in front from Here For The Craic and Kevin Manning© Photo Healy Racing
Following on from Lady Rosebud and Reckless Lad in the last couple of weeks, Pat Martin trained his third winner of 2018 when Adieux took the honours in the Race Displays Handicap at Dundalk.
Wayne Lordan was aboard the first-time hooded daughter of Dylan Thomas.
Pushed to the line by veteran performer, Here For The Craic Adieux, following up on a course and distance win from December 22nd, in the end prevailed by half a length.
Martin said afterwards: "We always thought this was a good mare but things just went wrong with her.
"The owner is a vet and he did every test he could find and she just wasn't right, whatever the story was.
"The horses are in good form at the minute and she's thriving.
"The last day Colin (Keane) suggested putting a hood on her to help her relax a bit more and I'd say it certainly helped. The quick pace helped as well, they flew and came back to her a bit.
"She got there maybe earlier than ideal but it was good to see her battle like that. The last day she didn't really have to battle hard but she did today.
"I'm delighted for the owner (Seamus Foran, her breeder as well) as he's very good to me and is my vet."
Adieux runs in the colours of Foran's wife Hannah O'Donoghue.
R.P. Downey, rider of Poitin (GB), trained by Keith Henry Clarke, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran lifeless throughout this race.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Zaofu trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
C.J. McGovern, rider of Tropic Thunder (GER) trained by Anthony McCann, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost his action and also burst a blood vessel.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Tropic Thunder (GER), trained by Anthony McCann, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have blood on the nose as a result of exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage.
M.Halford, trainer of Shannon Soul reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge never let himself down on the track which was riding very fast tonight.
(GC & EM)