Daylight Come (Kevin Manning) beating San Martino© Photo Healy Racing
Daylight Come successful as a three-year-old for Jim Bolger before a spell in Hong Kong, got back in the winners’ enclosure for the Coolcullen maestro when taking the Racing TV Handicap at Fairyhouse.
The Dawn Approach gelding won a Gowran Park maiden in September 2020 and the combination of a drop in the ratings this year and a step up to an extended 1m5f proved just the ticket. Magnetic North built up a sizeable lead before halfway but was reeled in by Kevin Manning’s mount early in the straight.
The 5/1 chance asserted under two furlongs out and kept on under pressure inside the final furlong to beat San Martino by a-length-and-a-quarter.
The pair stretched eight-and-a-half lengths clear of Sheishybrid in third.
Bolger’s travelling head man Ger Flynn said, “He’s a fine big horse. It was a big step up from a mile and a quarter last time but the boss was very confident he would stay.
“Kevin said he got into a beautiful rhythm and stayed on well. The boss got it right. Hopefully it’s onwards and upwards.
“He went to Hong Kong for a year but I don’t think he ran out there. The handicapper gave us a chance and in fairness he needs it as that is his grade today.
“He’s done it well and hopefully the handicapper is not too hard on us. He’s as game as a pebble.”
