Chance To Dance (nearest) gets up close home to beat Eighteen Summers© Photo Healy Racing
The Jim Bolger trained Chance To Dance justified favouritism as he got up close home to win the inaugural running of the Cork Derby.
The four-year-old son of Teofilo won his maiden on his third start at Clonmel last month before going down by just a short head to Cliff House (finished fourth here)on his handicap debut at Roscommon.
Available at 8/1 last night he opened on-course at just 5's before drifting out to 11/2 at the off.
Having raced mainly in second under Kevin Manning, the victorious bay gelding was ridden as they entered the straight, with long-time leader Eighteen Summers maintaining a health advantage.
It appeared as if the aforementioned Eddie Lynam trained gelding had stolen the race from a furlong out but he was reeled in inside the final furlong by the winner as he got up in the shadow of the post to score by half a length at the line.
Eighteen Summers had to settle for second under Chris Hayes at 16/1 while Nateeja (16/1) ran on well close home to take third under Shane Foley on her first start for Jessica Harrington.
Kevin Manning said afterwards: "The ground doesn’t seem to bother him. He is a very versatile horse with a good attitude."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary officer, Ms Nicola O'Connor, that having examined Mutual Regard, trained by J. P. Murtagh, she noticed what appeared to be a skin condition present and stated that a veterinary certificate did not accompany the horse on entering the stable yard as is required. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the trainer was in breach of Rule 148 and ordered the withdrawal of Mutual Regard from this race and reminded him of his future responsibilities in this regard.
J.P. O'Brien, rider of Cardinal Palace trained by John Joseph Murphy, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount did not handle the ground.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Erlkonig (GER), trained by Anthony Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be making a respiratory noise post race.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
