Medicine Jack (blinkers) fights out the finish with Lost Treasure (left) and Smash Williams © Photo Healy Racing
There was a thrilling finish to the Listed Waterford Testimonial Stakes, with Medicine Jack getting up on the line to deny Lost Treasure
As they raced inside the final furlong, Smash Williams led Soffia however Lost Treasure and Medicine Jack both finished with a flourish.
Firstly Lost Treasure got the front in the dying strides, but he couldn't see it out, with Medicine Jack lunging late to prevail by a short head under Colin Keane in the colours of owner Sean Jones.
Second in the Joe McGrath Handicap at Naas on his last start, the Ger Lyons trained victor was sent off an unconsidered 16/1 chance this afternoon.
Lost Treasure was returned the 2/1 favourite under Donnacha O'Brien for his father Aidan, while the aforementioned Smash Williams was another head back in third at 11/2.
The runner-up veered left and collided with the winner in the closing stages, with Smash Williams also bumped in the incident.
Shane Lyons, assistant trainer to his brother Ger, said afterwards: "Delighted to get that, and his last run told us he was back to his old self.
"He wants it a bit softer but it was lovely and safe there. He loved being in the bunch and getting a bit of cover. He never picked the stick up and he ran with great enthusiasm.
"That will give him a bit of confidence and set him up for next year.
"We were quiet for the last week or so and just backed off them a bit. The horses are well but it was nice that he confirmed that."
Colin Keane added: "Luckily the gaps came at the right time. He's one of those horses that the less he sees the better, and he got a bump or two that actually helped him go forward."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards enquired into possible interference at the finishing line involving Lost Treasure, ridden by D. O'Brien, placed second, Medicine Jack (GB), ridden by C.T. Keane, placed first and Smash Williams, ridden by K.J. Manning, placed third, where it appeared that Medicine Jack and Smash Williams ran short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings and took no further action.
Mrs Denise Foster, trainer of Julia's Magic reported to the Clerk of Scales that her charge showed signs of being in season following the running of this race.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
