May Night © Photo Healy Racing
A seven-time winner on synthetic surfaces, May Night (10/1) recorded a first win on turf when making all in the apprentice handicap.
Keithen Kennedy 's mount, trained for the Longevity Racing Club by Denis Hogan, got his own way out in front and came clear in the straight to readily beat Mr King by three and a half lengths.
Syndicate representative and ex-jockey Tom Foley remarked: "I was initially with Tom Foley (late trainer) and then Willie Mullins' where Ruby (Walsh) advised me to go to the States to learn to strengthen up, but I ended up staying 25 years!
"I had a good career in the States, was lucky to ride five Grade 1 winners and I'm home a few months now and getting this thing going.
"In this 20-member syndicate we have UFC fighters, NFL players, Rugby player, a Muay Thai champion, and all are patients or clients of RMI (Regenerative Medicine Institute) from the stem cell treatment world.
"I wanted to keep people together, keep chatting and sharing stories so I suggested we get a few horses and so far, it is working. The idea behind the syndicate that anybody involved is involved in health and wellness and we are trying to expand that story."
Regarding his Irish return he added "I remember Denis (Hogan) from pony racing many years ago and I'm delighted we got in with him. I'm having great craic with him and maybe he's the easiest lad I've come across to in and deal with.
"We have had four winners from eight starters now and are having a great time. There is great excitement and the syndicate are coming for Galway and hopefully we have a Galway horse with this one."
Quotes from Thomas Weekes
