Jazz Dreamers (noseband) leads home his rivals under Robert Whearty© Photo Healy Racing
Just over two years after his last success, Jazz Dreamers deservedly got a third career win to his name in the second divide of the Gibneys Malahide Handicap.
Placed six-times since his most recent victory, the Seamus Fahey-trained bay went down by just half-a-length when last seen at Gowran.
Sent off a 5/1 chance (10s early) this evening, the Red Jazz five-year-old was always toward the head of affairs under Robert Whearty and was close in third from halfway.
Ridden from the two-furlong pole and soon in front, he battled on gamely in the closing stages, holding off the late surge of Rampage by a neck.
The runner-up was returned a 4/1 chance under James Ryan for Tom McCourt, while What Adaay (7/2jfav) was another three-and-a-quarter lengths back in third.
The Adrian McGuinness-trained Skontonovski was the other joint-favourite and he finished sixth.
"He ran very well the last day so we weren't surprised by that at all," said Fahey.
"He had a few issues early on but he seems to have outgrown them and he's back where he was, maybe as a three-year-old.
"He's been running consistently and has given the lads plenty of fun.
"Ger (O'Neill), who is involved in him, was appointed under-20 manager of the Meath hurlers a few days ago.
"Helen, who owns the most of him, couldn't come today. Her daughter is going to her debs tonight and they are having a thing in the house before she left. She is married to Shane Butler."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Geological ridden by R.P. Cleary, placed fifth, Above It All ridden by Siobhan Rutledge, placed fourth, and Lisabetta ridden by G.M. Ryan, unplaced, where it appeared Lisabetta ran short of room and had to check off heels. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. R. P. Cleary stated that there was contact but he kept his line. Siobhan Rutledge stated that her mount went left when she used her whip but she corrected him as soon as possible. G. M. Ryan stated that the horse on his outer cut in in front of him causing him to check. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
G.M. Ryan, rider of Lisabetta, trained by Timothy Doyle, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was badly hampered inside the last furlong.
L.F. Roche, rider of Monzoon (GB), trained by Ross O'Sullivan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right in the straight.
R.P. Cleary, rider of Geological, trained by Damian Joseph English, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount received a bump close to the line.
R.P. Whelan, rider of Skontonovski (GB), trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount dwelt at the start.
Siobhan Rutledge, rider of Above It All, trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount jinked from the whip in the last furlong.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
