Mark McNiff won the last © Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Mark McNiff took the concluding race at Kilbeggan when Aliunde landed some tidy bets in winning the MJS Building & Development Handicap Chase.
Held up towards rear early on as Kevin Sexton made the running on Lucky Policy jockey Phillip Enright edged closer on the 8/1 chance throughout the final circuit.
Moving into contention approaching the last, the seven-year-old stayed on strongly to head Gaelic Des Chastys on the short run-in.
“He didn't relax the last day and probably didn't have enough cover,” said Mark McNiff.
“He needs to get switched off. He gets very revved, even before the race he can nearly have his race run.
“Phillip was exceptional, it's as good a bit of riding as you'll see. He gave the rail away nowhere and found room where there was no room.
“He smuggled him into the race and the horse won without knowing it.
“He'll probably stay chasing for now. He'll probably go to Downpatrick in a couple of weeks.”
The Raceday Stewards enquired into the direction taken by the field after bypassing an injured horse at the back of fence two. Evidence was heard from D.E. Mullins, rider of Father Jed unplaced, and Clerk Of The Course, Mr. Brendan Sheridan. D.E. Mullins stated that he felt he was the only rider who completed the course properly. Mr. Brendan Sheridan stated that there was a turn out after the fence provided for when a horse falls and that the fence was to be bypassed down the hurdle course. Having considered all the evidence, the Raceday Stewards decided that in the absence of a gate or post at the turnout, no incorrect course was taken by any rider. Furthermore, they confirmed the Judges placings and took no further action.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
