A three way surge to the line, with Out On Friday (far side) just holding off Slieve Binnian (centre) and Annexation© Photo Healy Racing
A stable star for Co Offaly handler Philip Byrne, Out On Friday (14/1) recorded a seventh career success in the Sweeney Oil Handicap.
Adopting his customary front-running role under Wesley Joyce, the eight-year-old Masterofthehorse gelding was ridden with less than two-furlongs to go.
His advantage was whittled away inside the final 200 yards and he was all out at the line to hold off the fast-finishing Slieve Binnian (5/1) by a nose.
There was just a short head back to Annexation in third, with the 13/2 chance also finishing with a flourish under Billy Lee.
Returned the 3/1 favourite, Bear Profit was another two-and-a-half lengths away in fourth.
"It was a super ride by Wesley. He's an enterprising brave young rider. He got things just right and was very strong in the finish," said Byrne.
"I'm delighted for the owner/breeder Tony Deegan. He wants to be at every dog-fight going and in fairness to the horse he turns up every time.
"He's very lucky to have a horse like him. He's a very sound horse and he shows up. He's very easy to train and has a great constitution.
"That's the seventh win of his career so he is a super horse.
"We were aiming for Galway and taking each race as it comes. He's probably in better form than ever and it's on to Galway from here.
"I couldn't be happier with him and I'm delighted for all the connections."
STEWARDS REPORTS
R.P. Whelan, rider of Slieve Binnian, trained by M. Halford & T. Collins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount lugged right up the straight.
K.G. Kennedy, rider of Bear Profit, trained by Gerard O'Leary, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was tight for room inside the final furlong. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
