Joe Masseria and Dylan Browne McMonagle© Photo Healy Racing
This has been a year to remember for trainer Noel Meade, and indeed jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle. They combined for a success with Joe Masseria in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Naas.
Meade trained his first Group One winner in 2021 with Helvic Dream in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh in May, whilst Browne McMonagle of course carried all before him this term to take him to champion apprentice honours.
With cheek-pieces replacing blinkers, the 10/1 victor here was waited with in mid-division.
He made headway to chase the leaders when pushed along two furlongs out, and was switched right and done an opponent no favours under two furlongs out.
Ridden over a furlong out, Joe Masseria led and kept on strongly inside the final furlong to defeat Ruler Legend by a length and three parts.
“I was complaining when the handicapper put him up 6lb for finishing ninth in the sales race but obviously he was right,” said Meade.
“He should improve from two to three because he's still a very backward horse. I actually bought him online, without seeing him, for €12,500.
“I'll talk to his owner and see what he wants to do but he certainly won't be running on the all-weather so I'd imagine that's it and he'll come out early next year.
“He loves soft ground, those Fast Companys do. It's a lovely way to finish the season, the season was good to us on the Flat so we'll be sorry to see the end of it.”
Browne McMonagle reflected: "That was great. I'm delighted to get a winner for Noel today because he has given me loads of opportunities throughout the year.
“I rode him two starts back at Limerick. The headgear helped him here, he loved the ground and the splits opened at the right time.
“It's been an unbelievable year, what dreams are made of. To ride so many winners in the year has been amazing.
“I'm looking forward to next year already and I hope it's as good. I owe a massive thanks to everyone who has helped and given me opportunities. It wouldn't be possible without them."
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Navajo Warrior (JPN), trained by A.P.O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
(GC & EM)
