Amanirenas and Danny Sheehy© Photo Healy Racing
Having been out of form during the early months of the season, Michael Grassick's Amanirenas was reawakened by a return to a familiar stomping ground when staying on best to win the concluding See You Next Friday Handicap at Fairyhouse.
Thrice a winner previously, the five-year-old is at her best when able to come with one run on a long straight.
Held up towards rear by Danny Sheehy, the daughter of War Command was brought wide into the straight, coming with a withering run from over two furlongs out.
Getting to the lead well inside the final furlong, she had to battle back when eventual runner-up Aurora Nova made her pull out all the stops.
Michael Grassick said:- “I was a little bit worried about the trip, I thought it might be a bit short for her.
“The handicapper has given her a chance, back down to her level. Every time I step her up in class she just gets found out.
“When she wins she wins impressively. You have to hold her up so when they go fast and she passes tired horses she just loves it.
“We'll try and find a similar type of race.
“This is a Newbridge College syndicate for past pupils. They've leased her for the season and it's their first winner. Johnny Murphy set it up recently so hopefully we might get a few more horses for them.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
