Rory Cleary (red cap) drives Dance Alone home in front© Photo Healy Racing
Dance Alone didn't go un-backed at 16/1 (from 20s on track and bigger earlier) and he pleased his connections and supporters by landing the finale at Dundalk, the LMFM Family Fun Day Sunday 6th May Handicap.
Rory Cleary did the steering for Damian English and he drove the Bahamian Bounty grey to a half length success over second favourite Pillar
"I was under severe pressure tonight as I bumped into Johnny Ward at Punchestown on Friday and he asked me if I'd anything coming up. I said I had one here on Wednesday that would have a little chance and he said 'right if he wins I'll buy a horse with you'. So I'm after selling a horse!" said English.
"He got injured last year and has been minding himself since he came back. He wasn't showing any bad signs at home but just wasn't doing it on the track.
"We stepped him right up in trip the last day to try and make it easier on him and then dropped back today with cheek-pieces on. It just sparked him back to life.
"The horses are all coming into form so hopefully we can crack on over the summer.
"He's just as good on the grass so hopefully we can have a bit of fun with him."
The Stewards enquired into an incident about one hundred and fifty yards from the finish involving Eacharn ridden by B.M. Coen, placed fifth, My Good Brother ridden by C.T. Keane, unplaced, A Likely Story ridden by D.E. Sheehy, unplaced, See You Mush (GB), ridden by R.P. Whelan, unplaced and Nightflight ridden by C.D. Hayes, unplaced, where it appeared that My Good Brother caused interference when being manoeuvred outwards to challenge.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Michael Mulvany accompanied B.M. Coen at this enquiry.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the interference was caused by C.T. Keane riding carelessly and therefore was in breach of Rule 214.
Having taken his very good previous record into account, the Stewards severely cautioned C.T. Keane.
The Stewards also advised R.P. Whelan to be more careful with the accuracy of his evidence.
The Stewards requested a report from Damian Joseph English, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Dance Alone (GB), placed first, as compared with its recent form.
The trainer reported that the reapplication of cheek pieces to his charge that had regained his confidence after a spell of poor performances and the fact that his yard was in form at present contributed to the improved performance.
Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.
C.D. Hayes, rider of Nightflight trained by Joseph Anthony Murray, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was slowly away at the start.
(GC & EM)
