Select Opportunity (Chris Timmons, nearside) comes to beat Allduckornodinner (Jonathan Moore)© Photo Healy Racing
Sligo native Eddie Cawley was back on home soil to land the After-Party At Lola Montez On Student Day Handicap Chase with Select Opportunity
Select Opportunity was actually winning this event for the second year running. With better luck the now County Meath-based owner/trainer could have been bringing up a double with the Chris Timmons-ridden 15/2 scorer.
J J Slevin had earlier guided the Ballymaglassan Stud, Batterstown-runner in race two, Fruits Of Glory
Slevin’s mount didn’t have much room when pecking at the last in the Leo McMorrow Memorial Novice Handicap Chase.
He finished out his race well but failed to catch winner, Dontdooddson going under by half a length.
Select Opportunity enjoyed better luck, though checked on the bend after the ninth.
He travelled well and proved stronger than front running favourite Allduckornodinner in the closing stages. Three lengths split them and there was a gap of fourteen lengths to Unchago in third.
“We were having a very lean time, and this has been a lucky hunting ground. We nearly had a double," said Cawley.
“I came here today thinking he’d badly need a run. He’s been off for nine months with a bit of an injury.
“We knew he was fit at home but you can only do so much at home.”
(AM & EM)
