Millington and 'Dusty' Foley comes home in front of Teeline and Seamie Heffernan© Photo Healy Racing
The Raymond Doyle-owned and bred Millington made all to land the Bet Online At Thetote.com Handicap. The second race winner at Roscommon was partnered by Shane 'Dusty' Foley.
Clipped in on track from 4/1 into 7/2 joint favouritism, the Ken Condon-trained Footstepsinthesand gelding was ridden two furlongs out and he went on to account for Teeline by a length and three parts.
"He was a pound lower since Thursday. When it looked like there wasn't going to be any obvious pace in the race I said to Shane let him stride on and don't take him back," explained Condon.
"He was green enough in front but at least he relaxed and gave himself a chance. He was keen when he started off and we were trying to teach him to relax a bit and when there is no pace it is more difficult to do that."
On future plans Condon revealed: "I think there is three-year-old handicap at Listowel for him and the owners like to have a runner there so I would say he will go there next. He might jump a hurdle sometime and he will stay further on the flat. He is a very clean winded horse."
The Stewards informed Gerard Keane, trainer that The Black Devil would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.
The Stewards interviewed Gerard Keane, trainer of The Black Devil, concerning the conduct of this horse who refused to load. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned. Having considered the evidence and taken into account that it was the horse's third time to refuse to load, the Stewards suspended The Black Devil for sixty day's, for all races started from stalls.
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the straight involving Belts And Braces ridden by C.T. Keane, unplaced, Danseur De Feu ridden by C.D. Hayes, placed third, Three Bells ridden by J.P. O'Brien, unplaced and Teeline, ridden by J.A. Heffernan, placed second, where it appeared that Three Bells ran out of racing room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards cautioned J.A.Heffernan to ride with more care in future.
Patrick Downey, trainer of Three Bells, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge scoped badly post race.
(DM & EM)
