Bootsandbars (noseband) stays on best under Conor McGovern © Photo Healy Racing
Bootsandbars sprang a 50/1 surprise in the naasracecourse.com Apprentice Handicap scoring under Conor McGovern (third winner and first on turf) for Peter Fahey.
The four-year-old son of Captain Rio finished a disappointing last on his handicap debut at Gowran in April but he was dropped back in trip to seven furlongs this evening.
Prominent throughout he was ridden in second over a furlong from home, getting up inside the final 50 yards to score by a neck at the line. Dandysteps (25/1), who was also prominent throughout, had to settle for second under Daniel Redmond for Prunella Dobbs while Oor Jock (4/1) was a further half a length back in third under Jack Kennedy for Adrian McGuinness.
The front three went four and a half lengths clear of Indy Gal (9/1) who finished fourth under Ross Coakley for Pat Martin while the 10/3 favourite (from 11/2 in the morning) Snakes And Ladders was a disappointing fourteenth under Tom Madden for his father Niall.
Peter Fahey said afterwards: "It was definitely a little bit of a surprise but he was working well at home.
"The step up to a mile-and-a-half was the wrong decision last time.
"Conor gave him a great ride. Andrew Leigh was riding him at home and had a little confidence in him coming here.
"The horses are running well which is great. We'll look for another little handicap for him."
The winner is owned and bred by Michael Fahey while he is a half-brother to Monteriggioni (three time winner), Babble On (three time winner) and four time winning stable mate Andalucía Lady.
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Snakes And Ladders, trained by Niall Madden, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be trotting short post race.
The Stewards requested a report from Peter Fahey, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Bootsandbars, placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that his charge disappointed on his first start of the year at Gowran, it being his first handicap. The trainer added that his charge improved from the experience. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
