The grey Arch Enemy (nearest) finishes best © Photo Healy Racing
Arch Enemy sprang a 28/1 surprise in the second division of the James Collins Memorial Handicap to provide 10lb claimer Sean Bird with his second winner.
There was plenty of pace on and those who fought out the finish all came from three-quarters of the way back with the grey sweeping down the outside in the straight to beat Well Suited by half a length.
Trainer Patrick Magee, who has charge of the four-year-old for the Black Steel Square Syndicate, said: “That is unexpected as I thought she'd need the run. I think Sean taking the 10lb off was the winning of it and it was a serious ride for a 10lb claimer. They went hard, he came with one run and it was a brilliant ride.
"Sean rode her once at Dundalk in the past and, while you're under pressure all the time to put up the top lads, Sean has been riding work for me on two-year-olds all year and is a big help.
"She was dropping back in trip and I knew she'd hit the line well but it's a slight bit of a shock she has won.
"She was a cheap purchase, has now won four times and is a little star. I'm pretty confident she will win over hurdles too."
He added "I'm based in Shercock, Co Cavan, it took four hours yesterday to come down and we stayed over last night. The owner Philip 'Nixys' Clarke owns my local bar in Bailieborough and is a big supporter of mine. I have six or seven in training."
Quotes from Tom Weekes
