The money this morning was for Lady Alicia in the Down District Council Race, but that filly failed in her bid to give Dermot Weld a double on the afternoon, as the favourite, Dirar (2s into 13/8) found favour on track and got the job done in good style.
Ridden clear by Rory Cleary with over a quarter of a mile left to run, the three-year-old son of King's Best stayed on strongly and was eased close home to defeat Salesin by four and a half lengths.
Victorious trainer, Michael Halford, said of the His Highness The Aga Khan-owned winner: "He enjoyed the lead and they went a nice even gallop. All I can say is that he is heading for the sales but not immediately."
Now-based on the outskirts of Rathangan in a brand new complex, Halford has fifteen two-year-olds for the owner. Meanwhile for Cleary, enjoying a good season, this was a twenty sixth success of the campaign. (EM)
