Gosford (purple colours) comes with a winning run under Billy Lee© Photo Healy Racing
Gosford overcame some traffic problems as he got up close home to take the second divide of the Leo Dolan Memorial Handicap.
A winner at Gowran last season and seventh on his most recent outing at the Co Kilkenny venue, the Eddie Lynam-trained four-year-old was sent off a 5/1 joint-favourite this evening.
Settled in mid-division on the inner, the son of Zoffany made progress from early in the straight, but was caught in a pocket with a furlong and a half to go.
Switched to the outer with 200 yards to race, the bay victor was ridden in fourth when in the clear, staying on strongly from there, prevailing by half-a-length at the line.
Having led for much of the race, the easy-to-back Saffredi (9/1 from 3s) ultimately had to settle for second under Gary Carroll for Gavin Cromwell, while Lismaria (17/2) was a short head away in third.
Backed from 14s early, Swiss Army Officer was the other 5/1 joint-favourite and he finished seventh.
"It worked out well. We went quick and I was flat out to the bottom bend but once we turned in he came on the bridle. I just had to ride for a lot of luck then," said Lee.
"I got a good run up the inner but obviously I got up behind the ones in front of me. I just had to be patient and to be fair he had enough in hand to get me out of trouble and pick up then again.
"He's a grand little horse and if he doesn't get knocked out of that bracket he'll hopefully win another one.
"You could run that race ten times over and you might get seven or eight different winners. He's got his day again and hopefully there might be another one."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the home straight involving Gosford, ridden by W.J. Lee, placed first, Alex Belardo ridden by D.W. O'Connor, unplaced, Purring Along ridden by N.M. Crosse, unplaced, and Swiss Army Officer, ridden by J.A. Heffernan, unplaced, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. J.A. Heffernan stated that his mount was weakening when he received a slight bump. N.M. Crosse stated that he just started to lean right as the incident happened. D.W. O'Connor stated that he was looking for room and his mount had a look at Gosford as he came out to him but received no contact. W.J. Lee stated that he was easing out but causing no interference and felt he was doing it gradually and safely. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that while Gosford had caused interference by intimidation to the other horses, he did not improve his finishing position as a result of this interference so they made no alteration to the Judge’s placings. They were, however, of the opinion that W.J. Lee was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended him for two racedays.
N.M. Crosse, rider of Purring Along, trained by Thomas Dowling, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount received a bump in the straight.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
