Antimatter and Ricky Doyle© Photo Healy Racing
"I was a bit concerned about the ground," admitted trainer Donnacha Duggan after his Antimatter defied top-weight to follow up on a Thurles win from 18 days back in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Wexford.
Ricky Doyle was in the plate on the top-weight and though Gracemount was the one preferred in the betting Antimatter (7/2) proved strongest out on the track. Golden Poet and Gracemount had every chance in the straight but Antimatter pulled out enough to prevail by two and a half lengths and two lengths.
"I thought it might be tacky more than soft and he just stays going," further explained Duggan.
"He has a high cruising speed and just keeps galloping at the same pace.
"He seems pretty versatile having won over two mile seven and now two. I'll probably give him a break now until after Christmas.
"He jumps well over a fence too, he is well schooled."
D.J. Hand, rider of Get Out Of Jail trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly throughout.
C.D. Timmons, rider of Kitty B trained by John Patrick Ryan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount pulled up lame.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Kitty B trained by John Patrick Ryan was lame on her left fore leg post race.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Dandy Bridge trained by M. Flannery was found to have evidence of blood on endoscopic examination.
S.A. Shortall, rider of Gracemount trained by Sean Thomas Doyle, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right.
(DM & EM)
