Chiclet and Gary Halpin© Photo Healy Racing
Chiclet s maiden win, attainted on start number thirteen at Navan back in October, obviously did the Dandy Man filly the world of good, as she reappeared fresh and well to bolt up in the Light Up Your Night Apprentice Handicap at Dundalk.
Chiclet's trainer Tracey Collins now departs for Lingfield on Good Friday in good form, as Captain Joy will bid to bring a much bigger prize back to Conyngham Lodge, in the shape of the 150,000 pound Ladbrokes All-Weather Mile Championships Conditions Stakes. Pat Smullen will take the ride on that well-fancied Herb Stanley-owned contender in the mile affair.
Here though, Chiclet, in the hands of Gary Halpin, travelled supremely well through the five furlong sprint, and she eventually comfortably saw off Oor Jock by two lengths.
"That's great. It's my first runner of the new season so may they all continue in the same suit!" said Collins.
"I'm very pleased with her. I thought fitness wise she might be a bit short and I'm very happy with her.
"She really needs fast ground so up here suits her at this time of year. You couldn't run her on the grass the way it is at the moment.
"Gary (Halpin) stepped in for the ride as Philip Donovan is hurt. He has done a lot of work with her and would have rode."
Meanwhile on Captain Joy the Curragh hander reported: "He travelled over yesterday and arrived at eight last night.
"He travelled very well. He ate up and drank up and I'm very happy with him. Pat (Smullen) will ride."
The Stewards interviewed Christina Simpson, rider of Have A Great Day concerning her use of the whip in the latter stages of this race.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that Christina Simpson was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using her whip with her arm above shoulder height and consequently suspended her for 1 raceday having taken her previous record into consideration.
Furthermore, the Stewards ordered Christina Simpson to attend R.A.C.E for 1 days tuition on the correct use of the whip.
Andrew Oliver trainer of Have A Great Day also attended this enquiry.(GC & EM)
