Old Faithful (Wayne Lordan), the winner, left, with the 4-horse field bunching up© Photo Healy Racing
Wayne Lordan deservedly got the plaudits after narrowly collecting aboard Ballydoyle's Old Faithful in the ALTO EQUINE Building Solution Rated Race at Naas.
It was tight at the finish but Lordon cajoled the victorious Siyouni colt into doing enough to short head Gibbs Island
Despite the small field racing room was at a premium as the contest unfolded and less than a length and three parts split the four of them at the finish.
Ballydoyle representative Chris Armstrong commented: “Wayne gave him a lovely ride. He’s a work in progress and is coming along gradually. It was a good option to try him at a mile and a quarter.
“We’ll look for another handicap with him and hopefully there is a nice prize in him down the line.”
C.T. Keane, rider of Messerschmitt trained by Noel Meade, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount leaned right up the straight.
W.M. Lordan, rider of Old Faithful (FR), trained by A.P.O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount rolled around when it hit the front.
The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident the closing stages involving Messerschmitt, ridden by C.T. Keane, placed third, Old Faithful (FR), ridden by W.M. Lordan, placed first, and Naturally Nimble (GER), ridden by D. McMonagle, placed fourth, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. C.T. Keane stated that his mount ran green, rolled around a little and was unable hold his position. D. McMonagle stated that he took a gap when it opened and felt the winner had rolled slightly despite the best efforts of the rider. W.M. Lordan stated that his mount has a history of rolling around which he why he did not use his whip. He concluded by stating that he made every effort to keep his mount straight. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards did not apportion blame to any rider and took no further action.
(AM & EM)