Dont Do Dramas, left, has them beaten© Photo Healy Racing
The going change to soft before the Tote Now Online At Tote.ie Handicap over the extended nine-furlongs was music to the ears of Dont Do Dramas
His two previous victories at Sligo and Gowran Park were on rain-softened ground.
In front early, the 2/1 favourite was headed after three furlongs but remained prominent and wrestled back the initiative entering the straight. He was strong at the business end for Wesley Joyce as he came in by two and a-quarter lengths from Jack Spriggins (5/2).
Michael Mulvany said: "People were saying it was a bad run the last day (at Fairyhouse), but the ground was probably a little on the lively side for him and the first and second were first and second in the Ulster Derby (at Down Royal).
"Hopefully we're going to Galway with him and I actually thought he might need the run here tonight. The lads (AJ Partnership) want a winner in Galway and that has been the plan all year. The lads actually didn't travel tonight, which is a shame, and that's the second time they haven't been present when he's won.
"He's in over a mile and a half on Monday and, if he doesn't get into that, there's a race for him later in the week over a mile.
"He doesn't need soft ground but handles it well and I think he'll make a lovely three-year-old hurdler."
The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the home straight involving Jack Spriggins, ridden by B.M. Coen, placed second, Nika Pika ridden by R.C. Colgan, placed third, and More Profit ridden by R. Whearty, placed fifth, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. R. Whearty stated that he had to take a check inside the furlong pole and felt it had cost him a place. R.C. Colgan stated that his mount was a very difficult ride and ran off every bend. He further added that he had his whip in his left hand and as he struck his mount she drifted right. He concluded by stating that he felt B.M. Coen came out to meet him. B.M. Coen stated that his mount was being lairy and was concentrating more on Nika Pika rather than going forward. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that while Nika Pika had caused interference to More Profit, she did not improve her finishing position as a result of this interference so they made no alteration to the Judge’s placings. They were, however, of the opinion that R.C. Colgan was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard (second offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended him for four racedays.
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
