Wither Hills out in front in Dundalk© Photo Healy Racing
Wither Hills (4/1) showed a good turn of foot to go and win the two mile maiden at Dundalk with Joseph O’Brien in the saddle.
Brian Hamilton, who trains in Downpatrick Co Down, was rewarded for sending the Karinga Bay gelding back to the all-weather as he powered away from his rivals inside the two furlong pole.
It looked like the race had been put to bed with this decisive move, but Cape Glory stayed on well and kept the winner up to his work to leave half a length in it at the line.
“He’s always worked well around here. There was nothing for him National Hunt-wise so that’s why we decided to give it a lash round here. It worked out well, he handles the surface” trainer Brian Hamilton said.
"Joseph said that a mile and six is probably his trip. We’ll look and see what there is; see if there is anything here for him. We’ll see if something sticks out for him in the next four or five weeks or he’ll get a break.
“He’s on the go a right while and we might speak to the boys about sweetening him up and bringing him to Galway.
“He’s the first horse I’ve run on the flat. I’ve had my flat licence for two years. I only had one horse for the flat and he went wrong on me.”
Wither Hills had shown an aptitude for the all-weather when third in an extended mile and a quarter maiden in Dundalk at the end of February.
Runner-up Cape Glory was a 15/8 joint favourite. Dalasiri the other 15/8 favourite (from 5/2 on course) came home sixth. Moon Dice #8217;s each way punters were rewarded as the 6/1 chance took third, beaten four lengths by the winner.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
