Rips Dream and Conor Hoban© Photo Healy Racing
Rips Dream ran out a very easy winner of the finale at Dundalk, the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk Handicap.
Having dead-heated for second over the course and distance last month, it was no surprise to see him come in for plenty of market support, opening on-course at 11/2, before returning a 9/2 chance.
Settled in third by Conor Hoban, the Pat Flynn trained gelding was pushed along to lead from the two furlong pole, and soon went clear, keeping on well inside the final furlong to score by five lengths in the colours of the Foley Partnership. Danehill Quest (12/1) finished second under Andrew Slattery for Sheila Lavery, while Miss Louise (20/1) was another three parts of a length back in third.
UK raider Trautmann was sent off the 11/4 favourite (from 7/2) under Colin Keane for Rebecca Menzies, but he could only manage a very disappointing eleventh.
"He did it well. We went very steady, I was in a nice position and I probably got first run on the lads"; said Hoban.
"He had a nice run the last day, he enjoyed the surface and he came forward from it.
"It was a nice performance and hopefully he can step up again. Pat said there might be a race for him here in a couple of weeks time.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
