Khafaaq is ridden out by Cian Horgan to beat No Hassle© Photo Healy Racing
Apprentice Cian Horgan partnered his second winner in as many days, as he guided Khafaaq to victory in the concluding Racing Again June 16th Handicap.
Without a win since September of 2021, the Andy Slattery-trained eight-year-old was an encouraging second at Gowran last week, when fitted with a tongue-strap for the first time.
Sent off a well-supported 15/2 chance (from 12s) this evening, the Helmet chestnut was settled behind the leaders on outer and was fifth upon entering the straight.
He soon made good headway and hit the front from the two furlong pole, keeping on well under pressure in the closing stages, holding off the late effort of No Hassle by a short head.
As big as 40/1 earlier in the day, the runner-up was returned at 12s under Joey Sheridan (2lb overweight) for Shane Ryder.
The front pair were two-and-half lengths clear of Tastyee (5/1) in third, while Shona Mea who was sent off the 4/1 favourite, finished eighth.
"He had a nice run the last day but had lost his way up until that," Slattery said of the Eight Star Syndicate owned victor.
"I had him in a claimer Wednesday. The lads own Sir Allen as well and he got injured in Fairyhouse, and will be out for the summer, so they'll probably keep him for the summer now.
"He just lost his form but seems to be coming back to himself. He slipped to a good mark which is a help.
"He probably wouldn't want the ground any quicker than that, he's won on heavy ground before. He has six won now and he only cost them five grand.
"Cian was nearly a year without a winner up until yesterday so to get one two days in-a-row is great. He deserves it as he's a hard worker."
Horgan was successful aboard Rock Etoile at Killarney on Tuesday evening, with this one also trained by Slattery.
STEWARDS REPORTS
J.M. Sheridan, rider of No Hassle, trained by Shane Ryder, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount rolled around in the straight.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
