Art Of Unity (red and white) © Photo Healy Racing
Art Of Unity (7/1) is a very effective sprinter at his own level, particularly when there is an ease in the ground, and recorded his seventh win over the minimum distance in the Equine Care Group - Nutritional Solutions Handicap.
Touched off in the corresponding contest a year ago, the nine-year-old had returned to form lately from a much-reduced mark. In the front rank throughout, he disputed the lead with Rathbranchurch approaching the final furlong before pulling out a bit more in the closing stages to foil that rival by three-parts of a length.
10lb claimer Julian Pietropaolo was on board as he had been at Bellewstown earlier this month when Art Of Unity provided him with his first winner.
“The handicapper has been quite good to him and has dropped him along the way,” said Muredach Kelly who trains the winner for his wife Sinead.
“The kid's 10lb is a big bonus. For those low-grade horses to try and give him two stone is nearly impossible.
“I have to thank my farrier, he has glue on shoes and up to this we were struggling to keep him sound. Since this year it's been a dream.
“The young lad Julian asked to come down and ride him out before he got his licence and rode him work a few times.
“He knows him and he actually switches off with him. Before he used to be really keen but now you're able to ride him and put him somewhere. Today he was brilliant on him.
“There is a race next week for him again, in Navan.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
