The grey Conversant is ridden out by Joey Sheridan© Photo Healy Racing
Conversant got in as third reserve in the Tote Never Beaten By SP Handicap and he made the most of his opportunity to score under Joey Sheridan.
Recording a sixth career success, the Denis Hogan-trained grey was sent off an 11/1 chance (supported from 18s) in the colours of Choi Fook Racing Syndicate.
Drawn out wide in stall 14, the eight-year-old broke smartly and was soon settled in a close second. He improved to dispute the lead on the approach to the straight and was ridden to the front inside the final furlong, holding off the late effort of Catherine Croi, who came from well off the pace, by half-a-length.
The runner-up was returned at 8/1 under Colin Keane for Claire O'Connell, while Sin E Shekells (9/2 to 7/2) was another three-parts of a length back in third.
Successful in this very race 12 months ago, Celtic Manor was sent off the 15/8 favourite but could only manage a disappointing ninth.
"I was absolutely delighted when I seen the heavens open because that's the ground he wants." Sheridan said.
"We were drawn wide and Denis said beforehand that we were kind of goosed with the way he was drawn, but he said to jump and be as forward as you can.
"I got him out well and he got a nice lead, picked up well and stuck at it. That (soft to heavy) ground is the main thing for him.
"I'm delighted because his owners have been very patient. He's been a brilliant servant to me as well, that's my fourth win on him."
STEWARDS REPORTS
C.J. MacRedmond, rider of Praying Mantis trained by J.Larkin, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped quickly.
J. Kearney, rider of Aurora Nova trained by Andrew McNamara, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was slowly away from the starting stalls.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Celtic Manor, trained by H.D. McGuigan, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Denis Gerard Hogan, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Conversant, placed first, as compared with its recent run at Navan on the 29th March when finishing fourteenth of eighteen runners beaten twenty two lengths by the winner Seeingisbelieving. The trainer reported that his charge ran a little below expectations at the Curragh on the 25th March and reappeared four days later at Navan but disappointed. Consequently, the animal was checked thoroughly by his own veterinary surgeon and no abnormality was found at that time. At a later stage a slight discharge appeared and further investigation led to sinus surgery. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the content of the report.
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
