Luck with Halford and Whelan in Dundalk opener In first time cheek-pieces Luna’s Luck (11/10 into 10/11) took the One Armed Bandits @ Ace Casino Kildare Town Claiming Race in Dundalk. Second choice in the market to the winner, Tennesse Waltz (9/2), gave the Michael Halford-trained and Ronan Whelan-ridden victor most to do. A neck split them at the line after a decent tussle. They drew on by four lengths from the third home, Your Pal Tal. Luna's Luck was claimed by the Rockview Racing Club to go into training with John McConnell. “It looked a good race for him,” said Halford. “He got a good ride, they went a nice gallop and he kept it simple on him. He battled well to win and it's nice to win another one with him. “He's a horse that will have no bother switching back on to the grass, we'll see if we still own him after this. If he's claimed, he's claimed “The owner (James Matthews) is based in Sri Lanka and I've never actually met him, I've only spoken to him on the phone. He's had patience with him and he'll be delighted to have a winner.” The Stewards informed John C. McConnell, trainer that Al Batal (GB), would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again. R. Coakley, rider of Somelife trained by Mark Fahey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right. The Stewards fined C. Moore, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Bazzat, in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Bazzat in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90. The Stewards fined C. Moore, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Penny Green (GB), in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Penny Green (GB) in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90. (GC & EM)
