Magic Sea (nearest) just gets the better of Just Sherry (inside)© Photo Healy Racing
Magic Sea just prevailed in the West Coast Cooler Rose Nursery Handicap, scoring under Danny Sheehy for local Banbridge trainer Sarah Dawson.
Well beaten on his first three starts, the son of Born To Sea opened on-course at 25s before going off a 20/1 chance.
Towards rear in the early stages, the bay victor was ridden shortly after halfway. He came with his challenge on the outer under two furlongs out, and had a good battle with Just Sherry from the furlong pole, just prevailing at the line by a nose.
The runner-up was returned at 14/1 under Gary Halpin for Johnny Feane, while 7/1 chance Scoil Naisiunta (16s last night) was another three and three parts of a length back in third with Rory Cleary in the saddle for Jim Bolger. Piper Bomb was sent off the 9/4 favourite (from 11/4 on-course) and she finished fourth with Ronan Whelan aboard for Adrian McGuinness.
Dawson said afterwards: "He's a lovely horse but he's just been slow for the penny to drop. I didn't think he would handle that ground at all, he's such a good mover.
"He has a big long stride and I just told Danny (Sheehy) that we had an awful draw and even if he had to stay wide to keep riding and keep him rolling and just use his length of stride. I think he coped with it all today.
"He's definitely one for Dundalk. He's very, very big - he's about 16.1. I've been waiting for him to sort of fall apart after every run and put him away because he is so tall but he actually thrives on his work so we'll keep him going now."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards interviewed D.E. Sheehy, rider of Magic Sea, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that D.E. Sheehy was in breach of R10(3)(f) by using his whip with excessive force and frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration the Stewards suspended D.E. Sheehy for 2 racedays. Mr Desmond McDonogh accompanied D.E. Sheehy at this enquiry..
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
