Madden gets it just right on "ATM machine" Valentine

Tom Madden excelled on Aussie Valentine as Ado McGuinness’ charge sprung a 16/1 surprise in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund ‘Habitat’ Handicap at the Curragh.

Madden got the Aussie Rules eight-year-old to the front up the inner from the two furlong pole and he struck for home. Innamorare and to a lesser extent Crotchet finished off well, but not well enough to catch Aussie Valentine.

Half a length and the same split them at the line.

“The horse that beat him in Roscommon the last day (Johnny Drama) must be some horse. He took him out of his comfort zone!" said McGuinness.

“I spoke to Jamie Spencer after the Guineas and he said if you are not in the first three or four here you’re wasting your time. It wasn’t going to suit the other horse Master Speaker but it was going to suit Aussie and I told Tom to be very positive with him all the way.

“He won over 80 grand for us last year, and he’s tipping away getting cheques nearly every time this year. He’s like an ATM machine and he wasn’t an expensive horse. We’re delighted to have him.

“He’ll go to Galway and will run in the Galway Mile and maybe the seven (furlongs) as well. He might run here Derby weekend as well.”

K.J. Manning, rider of Solar Wave trained by J. S. Bolger, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was very slowly away from the stalls, lost a considerable amount of ground and was eased thereafter.

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Crotchet (GB), ridden by D. O'Brien, placed third, Yuften (GB), ridden by S.M. Crosse, placed fifth and Atlas ridden by K.J. Leonard, placed fourth, where it appeared Atlas momentarily ran short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned in the presence of Mr. M. Crosse, who accompanied S.M. Crosse. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action other than to advise S.M. Crosse to ride with more care in future.

(AM & EM)