Woodcock Flight comes home a clearcut winner under Scott McCullagh© Photo Healy Racing
Woodcock Flight made all to take the opener at Bellewstown, the Tynan's Bridge House Bar Irish EBF Median Auction Maiden.
Owned, trained and bred by Kevin Prendergast, the Awtaad gelding was placed four times as a juvenile, again making the frame when third in a first time visor on his most recent start at Naas.
With Scott McCullagh aboard, the 8/1 chance made all on his 11th career start. He had all his rivals off the bridle from the two-furlong pole and soon established a healthy advantage, keeping on well in the closing stages to score by four-and-a-quarter lengths.
The Adrian Murray-trained Beauty Bella (6/1) came through to take second under Jack Cleary, while the easy-to-back Not Forgotten (11/4 from 6/4) was another three lengths away in third.
Returned the 7/4 favourite, Simpson's Paradox again disappointed and finished seventh.
"I go into Mr Prendergast every Saturday and I've been riding this horse in his work. He was in good form recently," said McCullagh.
"We put the visors on and we just thought if he got to the front and got an easy lead (it would suit). He worked very well at home from the front.
"He does have a mind of his own but the visors helped. I knew going down to the start, he was all business. The track suited, he hit the line well and did it easy.
"I'm delighted to ride a winner for Mr Prendergast. He's a legend, he's been around a long time and knows the time of day."
STEWARDS REPORTS
C.D. Hayes, rider of Rapid City trained by Luke Comer, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran very green.
S. Foley, rider of Simpson's Paradox, trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount did not handle the track.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Simpson's Paradox, trained by Mrs John Harrington, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Hokusai trained by Noel Meade, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident approaching the road crossing down the back involving Hokusai, ridden by C.T. Keane, unplaced, Simpson's Paradox, ridden by S. Foley, unplaced, and Wishes And Dreams ridden by D. McMonagle, unplaced, where it appeared there was contact between the three and Hokusai received a bump. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
