Almadaa (wine colours) is ridden out by Oisin Orr © Photo Healy Racing
Almadaa who at nine was the oldest horse in the line-up by four years, showed his younger rivals how it's done by taking the opener at Limerick, the Ballyduane Stud Claiming Race.
A now ten time winner, the David Marnane trained Exceed And Excel gelding, disappointed on his last two starts, but was placed twice earlier in the year at Dundalk.
Available at 14's this morning, he opened on-course at 10's before going off an 8/1 chance in the colours of owners the Western Partnership.
Settled behind the leaders by Oisin Orr, he improved to lead a furlong and a half out, keeping on well under pressure from there, going on to prevail by a length and a quarter. Touch Of Frost (7/2) ran on to take second under Ronan Whelan for Johnny Levins, while Pillar (7/1) was half a length back in third under Declan McDonogh for Adrian McGuinness. Mo Henry was sent off the 5/2 favourite (from 5's this morning and 3's on-course) and he was a further neck back in fourth under Gary Halpin for Adrian Keatley.
David Marnane said afterwards: "He has been great for us - he has run nearly 90 times and has won ten and loves that fast ground.
"Today was supposed to be his last run but I'll talk to the owners now - he might still be retired."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the straight involving Optimystic ridden by W.J. Lee, unplaced and Miss Ives ridden by S.P. Davis,unseated. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned in the presence of James M Barrett, trainer of Miss Ives, who accompanied S.P.Davis in the Stewards room. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that W.J.Lee was in breach of Rule 214, in that he rode carelessly and having considered his record, suspended him for seven race days.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
