Atlas and Leigh Roche© Photo Healy Racing
Pat Smullen's mount Katiymann was a well-punted 7/4 favourite for the Crowne Plaza Race & Stay Package Handicap but he could manage no better third. Despite going off at 10/1, winner Atlas had his supporters too at Dundalk.
Backed down from 20/1, the Sunday Racing Club-owned and Denis Hogan-trained Atlas got the better of Jon Ess (16s into 10s) by half a length.
The aforementioned Katiymann was just a head behind in third.
Leigh Roche did the steering on Atlas and he stated: "He was probably unlucky twice at Galway, he won well at Leopardstown, and the ground didn't suit him the last day.
"He's really ground dependant more than anything, and he jumped today and travelled very well. I'd Pat Smullen in front of me the whole way, and I don't think things could have worked out any better.
"He quickened up, and when I got the split he put his head down and galloped to the line. He likes to be delivered late. He just travels so well, and when you take a pull out of him he actually enjoys it. He was very good there tonight."
The Stewards enquired into an incident inside the final 150 yards involving Katiymann, ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed third, Secret Wizard ridden by R.P. Whelan, unplaced, Atlas, ridden by L.F. Roche, placed first and Jon Ess, ridden by W.J. Lee, placed second, where it appeared that Secret Wizard was tight for room and checked.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action. Mr S. Collins, Acting Steward, absented himself from this enquiry.
The Stewards requested a report from Denis Gerard Hogan, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Atlas, placed first, as compared with its recent run. Meghan Donovan, authorised representative for Denis Gerard Hogan, reported that the change of racing surface was the only reason that can be attributed to the improved run.
Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.
(AM & EM)
