Watchable leads from fast-finishing Zalty© Photo Healy Racing
English raider Watchable struck in the 150,000 euro ‘Bold Lad’ sprint handicap at the Curragh for David O’Meara and Daniel Tudhope.
The well-backed 5/1 favourite came to join My Good Brother at the halfway stage of this six furlong contest, before soon assuming the lead along the stands rail.
David Marnane’s Zalty (9/1) was switched out by Colm O’Donoghue with 200 yards to race and the pair finished to good effect to be only beaten by a head at the line. Tudhope kept his charge up to his work though to grab the 90,000 euro first prize.
Daniel Tudhope commented: “I was a little bit concerned about the ground. He travelled well and I probably got there too soon. He stuck his head out well.
“He’s a nice progressive horse, but still a bit green. He's been racing over seven furlongs and not quite getting home. I could hear the other horse coming, but I thought I’d held on.” Forest Edge at 22/1 was a length adrift of the runner-up in third, while Sammy Jo Bell guided Arctic Feeling (16/1) into fourth, another length back.
Watchable was cut from 16/1 to 12/1 by Paddy Power for the Ayr Gold Cup.
The Stewards interviewed Gary Paul Halpin, rider of My Good Brother (who finished 16th), concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(b), in that he continued to use the whip when his chance had gone and having considered his record, suspended him for two race days.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
