Cash Or Crypto has his head down on the line© Photo Healy Racing
Cash Or Crypto landed the spoils by the minimum margin after a tussle with Volatile Analyst in race two at Dundalk.
The three-year-old gelding was punted down to 5/1 and raced prominently for Luke McAteer in this six-furlong handicap before picking it up a quarter of a mile out.
The pair were strongly pressed by Volatile Analyst and Scott McCullagh inside the final furlong, but held on by a nose from the 6/1 runner-up. Daamberdiplomat completed the placings in third, a further length and a-quarter away, at 8/1.
Trainer David Marnane said: "His form earlier in the season made him a 'favourite favourite'.
"We sent him to the Sales because that segment of the syndicate is to be finished off.
"We bought him back because I just felt there was more to come.
"He is obviously very quick to jump from that stall (15) and get across.
"I think there is a five (furlong race) coming up for him here as well. They were the two plans before Christmas.
"I'm delighted for Luke because he is doing a lot of work for us, he has been great all year long. He's a top-class rider.
"A bit like Oisin Orr who won the big race in Bahrain (International Trophy on Spirit Dancer today), sometimes they just need a bit of support and opportunities. It is very hard in this country, but he is a top-class rider."
The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident close to the line involving Daamberdiplomat, ridden by W. Joyce, placed third, Volatile Analyst (USA), ridden by S.T. McCullagh, placed second, and Cash Or Crypto, ridden by L.T. McAteer, placed first, where it appeared Daamberdiplomat got tight for room close to the line. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence, W. Joyce stated that close to the line he got tightened for room from his outside. L.T. McAteer stated that he felt he kept straight right to the line. S.T. McCullagh stated that his mount hung left in the final furlong but stated that he put his stick down and had done his best to straighten him. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found S.T. McCullagh was in breach of Rule 214 in that they had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended him for two race days.
