Latchet (Gavin Ryan, centre) heads for the line from Crossingoz (grey horse, Conor Hoban up)© Photo Healy Racing
Division two of BK Forklifts Handicap at Dundalk saw a 26 and a half to one double completed for Jim Bolger and apprentice Gavin Ryan when Latchet shed her maiden tag at the 17th time of asking.
On the back of stable companion McGuigan s win an hour earlier, market confidence was high behind Latchet and she was backed from 7/1 into 4/1 favouritism. Wild Shot (9s into 7s) and Crossingoz (40s earlier into 10s) had their supporters too but they had to give way to Latchet by half a length and a short head.
“That's great as she has been knocking on the door,” said Bolger travelling head lad Ger Flynn.
“The last day here she reared up as the stalls opened and lost five or six lengths and was only beaten about five-and-a-half.
“It's nice to get that with her and we'll see where she fits in now, hopefully she can go on again.
“Gavin was very strong on her.”
At the request of the Stewards, D.E. Sheehy, rider of Suntory Times trained by Sarah Lynam, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran flat.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Suntory Times, trained by Sarah Lynam, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be distressed post race.
(GC & EM)
