Nedita is pushed out by Luke McAteer© Photo Healy Racing
Providing David Marnane, Luke McAteer and owners MRC International with their fifth success of the winter campaign, Nedita comfortably accounted for his 13 rivals in the second divide of the Friday Night Lights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap.
Bought for €32,000 as a yearling, the Elzaam three-year-old showed promise on his first few starts, but had been disappointing of late, finishing down the field in a claimer when last seen.
Available at 12/1 in early shows for this mile contest, the 59-rated bay eventually went off a 15/2 chance and while in front early on, he was soon settled in second.
Regaining the lead early in the straight, he found plenty when ridden over a furlong out, eventually coming home two and three parts of a length to the good.
Returned at 22/1, Royal Tribute finished second under Jamie Powell for John McConnell, while 4/1 joint-favourites Deed Pole and Pink Oxalis (well-supported from 8s) were third and fourth respectively.
"He did it well," McAteer reflected.
"We took everything off him today, took the hood off, and decided we would be positive.
"Tristan has been riding him at home and he has put a lot of effort in with him, so this one is his one.
"Exactly (down to a mark he was going to be dangerous off) - we thought last year as a two-year-old he might win a little maiden and progress but, one thing or another, it didn't happen.
"I think he is back now and he looks like he is an improving horse after that run anyway."
On the stable form, he added: "It is great, there is always one to look forward to.
"Hopefully we don't run out of bullets anytime soon!"
STEWARDS REPORTS
D.P. McDonagh, rider of Accwest trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran keen and ducked left down the back straight.
The Raceday Stewards requested a report from David Marnane, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Nedita, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Mr Daniel O'Connell, the trainers Authorized Representative on the day, reported that in the animals last couple of runs he had been carrying large weights in claiming races and that a return to a lower grade handicap may have contributed to today's apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation offered.
The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident in the closing stages involving Agia ridden by R. Whearty, unplaced, Chou Chou ridden by C.D. Hayes, unplaced, and Accwest, ridden by D.P. McDonagh, unplaced, where it appeared C.D. Hayes had to take a check momentarily. 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 Michael Graham
