Meishar and Sam Ewing are led in by James Gough with trainer James McAuley (left) © Photo Healy Racing
The Argentinian-bred Meishar (4/1) got off the mark on his eighth start in the Hollywoodbets Horse Racing and Sports Betting Claiming Race.
A powerfully-built 5-year-old, the gelded son of Exchange Rate hadn’t raced before this year but showed early promise when second in maidens at the Curragh and this venue back in March.
From stall one, Sam Ewing went the shortest route throughout, tracking the leaders on the rail before sending his mount into the lead a furlong and a half out.
From that point, Meishar was driven clear to account for Irish Acclaim (2/1) by a length and a quarter.
Winning owner/trainer James McAuley has found a real niche for a lot of his horses in these claiming contests and said of his latest winner: “He flashed home the first day at the Curragh and I didn’t think it would take him this long to win.
“I’m not sure how good that race was in the Curragh and he’s had a reputation since but has never really struck me as an 80 rated horse.
“He’s done his job as we only gave three thousand for him. He’ll do a job for someone. We’ll put in a friendly claim for him and if we get him fair enough and if not we’ll go spending again.
“He’s a big backward horse.”
Connections were successful with their friendly claim of 15,000 euros for the winner and fifth-home Mutiny (in for 4,000 euros) was likewise retained by Ronan McNally.
The runner-up Irish Acclaim was claimed for 15,000 euros and will join Joseph O'Brien's stable.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
