Christmas comes early for Halford with Cash Cash Collector burst through in the closing stages to make a winning debut in the opening median auction maiden at Dundalk this afternoon, for Michael Halford and Tracey Collins. The Make Believe gelding went to post a 12/1 shot on his racecourse bow and was pushed along in mid-division turning for home in the seven-furlong heat. Ronan Whelan's mount stayed on to close going to the furlong marker and avoided the wayward Tiger King, who was running around while disputing at that stage. The well-backed Step It Out (5/2 favourite) gained a narrow advantage inside the final furlong but couldn't hold the strong challenge of Cash Collector, who led in the final 100 yards for a length win. Halford said: "I was delighted with him there. "He's a horse that I said, even before the race, we liked him. Just, we wouldn't have had a terrible lot done with him but I would expect him to improve nicely for it. "Looking at him at home, I'd say he would step up to a mile. "He's got a good mind and a very straightforward horse to train. "I own him myself and as the fella says, he'd be on the market. Santa is coming!" (Quotes by Michael Graham)
