Drop The Anchor (centre) reels in My Mate Mozzie (pale blue) © Photo Healy Racing
Drop The Anchor who has landed valuable handicaps over hurdles in each of the last two years, again came good on the big occasion when wearing down My Mate Mozzie in the Colm White Bookmaker November Handicap.
Running from 4lb out of the handicap, the eight-year-old moved into second early in the straight as My Mate Mozzie was being ridden a few lengths clear. Niall McCullagh's mount gradually reeled in the leader, though, and got to the lead close home to score by a neck, with Powerful Aggie the same margin back in third. The Shunter sent off 4/1 favourite, was another five lengths away in fourth.
Winning trainer Pat Fahy said: “He was tough, it's great that he came back to himself as he was struggling to get his form back.
“He was running well but not getting anywhere and a lot of my horses were doing the same. That kind of makes up for the whole summer because I had very few horses to run.
“Between one thing and another it was quiet and to get this last big handicap, I can't believe it. He ground it out well.
“Niall gave him some ride because often times he can lose his races out of the gates. No matter what schooling you did it made no difference.
“On better ground he can't get it back but today the ground gave him a chance, when he came out the rest of them weren't gone on him.
“He's in all summer so we'll see what plans Frank has.
“I don't know where Dunvegan finished but I just didn't have him ready enough. Chris was delighted with him but he just gave a blow half way up when he needed him. He's a big giant of a horse and that will put him right for another day.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
