Havelock Ellis (right) gets up to pip Caliso Bay© Photo Healy Racing
Havelock Ellis further advertised the training skills of Johnny Levins when taking division two of the Friday Horse Racing Returns 26th September Handicap at Dundalk.
Fergal Lynch has rejuvenated his career with many fine rides on this Polytrack surface, and he was again seen to great effect in getting the son of Iffraaj home in the closing stages.
Pat Smullen looked set to add to his impressive tally this term when driving Caliso Bay into what appeared a decisive lead a furlong out.
However Lynch conjured a late surge from Levins’ 12/1 chance down the centre of the track getting up close home to score by half a length.
There was a gap of four lengths back to top-weight Cash Or Casualty in third.
Havelock Ellis was having just his second outing for Levins since joining his Curragh base this summer.
Levins said, “We are starting to learn a bit about the horse now. I left him a bit short at Gowran hoping he would come on for the run, and you learn more about them in a race than you would in three weeks at home.
“It sped up the training process and tweeked his training at home. He’d been working well, and we quietly fancied him.
“Fergal Lynch was absolutely brilliant on him. He decided to come on the outside as he had a feeling he didn’t want to be crowded. I half owe this one to Fergal.
“He’s in again in a claimer on Thursday for €3,000 but I don’t think I’d be allowed to run him. I’m delighted for the owners (David Byrne and Carol O’Neill) who are new people with me.”
(AM & GC)
