Lattam (near side) just beating Saltonstall© Photo Healy Racing
Lattam became the first English-trained winner of the €100,000 Paddy Power Irish Lincolnshire at the Curragh when just getting up on the line under Chris Hayes.
The William Haggas-trained gelding, an 8/1 chance, was patiently ridden and needed to be switched left to get a clear run inside the final furlong. Saltonstall struck the front up against the far rail about 150 yards out and looked set to score but Hayes’ mount flew home to just peg him back on the line.
Saltonstall’s stablemate Casanova came home well just a neck back in third, while No More Porter meant Ado McGuinness saddled three of the first five. San Aer finished fourth.
The 5/1 favourite Totally Charming held every chance but his big weight just told in the closing stages eventually finishing seventh.
“He told me to leave it very late and I did what I was told!” quipped Hayes.
“He travelled lovely, relished the ground. After Mr Haggas had finished giving me the instructions I said 'so basically aim to be getting there inside the furlong pole' and he said 'oh God an awful lot later if you can but see how you're travelling'.
“I thought I was going to get there too soon and I sat, then the gap was closing and I had to switch. It was a short-head away from a shocker but we won so I gave it a great ride!
“I just wanted to make it exciting for the owners!”
Quotes by Gary Carson
