All For Nothing (right) just gets the better of Six Silver Lane© Photo Healy Racing
All For Nothing just got the better of Six Silver Lane in the opener at Ballinrobe, the Tote Claiming Race.
Available at 12/1 this morning, the Kevin Prendergast trained four-year-old opened on-course at 13/2, before going off a 6/1 chance under Chris Hayes for owner Jeremy Harley.
Fitted with a tongue strap and visor for the first time, the son of Bushranger was towards rear in the early stages, before improving into mid-division.
He was pushed along in fifth over two furlongs out, and was ridden to challenge on the outer with over a furlong left to race.
The bay victor then had a great battle with Six Silver Lane inside the final furlong, with just a nose separating them at the line.
The runner-up, who hit the front from three furlongs out, was returned the 13/8 favourite under Colin Keane for Johnny Feane.
The front two went seven lengths clear of the well-backed New Story (4s to 5/2 on-course) who was third under Ross Coakley for Eoin Doyle.
Chris Hayes said afterwards: "He (the runner-up) is tough and genuine, he made me work right to the line. I got there a bit soon on my lad and he got unbalanced with me.
"The visor and the tongue strap obviously helped. He'll make a lovely fun horse for someone to go jumping with.
"It was a bit up the air about what ground he'd go on. Bushranger's tend to go on slower ground, but he wants good ground. I thought the visor and tongue strap done the trick, and a step up in trip would be no harm."
The winner was later claimed by John McConnell.
STEWARDS REPORTS
P.J. Smullen, rider of Indian Tomahawk (GB) trained by Damian Joseph English, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount checked turning into the straight.
T.P. Madden, rider of Mrs Conn trained by Thomas Cleary, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount had to check turning into the straight.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Six Silver Lane (GB) trained by John James Feane was struck into behind.
Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
