White and blue silks, Phillip Enright in jumping action on Allardyce© Photo Healy Racing
There was a very exciting conclusion to the Eastcoast Seafood & Gouldings Hardware Handicap Chase with Allardyce (2/1 joint favourite) coming out on top for Edward O’Grady and Phillip Enright at Naas.
The other market-leader Everlastingpromise made a mistake at the last, and it was then any one of five on the run-in.
Leopardstown St Stephen’s Day third placer Allardyce stayed on well on the stand’s side from the final fence and he held strong finisher Dasmyhoss by three parts of a length.
It was a length and three parts to Effernock Lad in third, with a neck to the aforementioned Everlastingpromise in fourth. My Manekineko had to switch on the run-in and he ended up two lengths back in fifth.
“It's been a bit frustrating because every horse I've run over Christmas and the New Year has been in the money and no one of them won,” said O'Grady.
“I'm delighted to get that for the boys and that this horse won. There might be another one in him somewhere.
“Maybe I shouldn't have been running him in the summer, maybe he didn't like the faster ground.
“Certainly he's come to himself and is jumping very well too.
“There is a race in Gowran, over two-miles-two, in February and I think that trip might suit him.
“I was afraid with having a 7lb claimer the last day and also having gone up a pound. Maybe the handicapper won't be too unkind to him. The handicapper can be proud today!”
The Stewards enquired into an incident after jumping the final fence involving Allardyce (GB), ridden by P.T. Enright and My Manekineko (GB), ridden by Gavin Peter Brouder, where it appeared that My Manekineko ran short of room.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that P.T. Enright was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly.
Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards suspended P.T. Enright for 2 racedays.
The Stewards fined E. J. O'Grady, trainer, €65 for failing to fit cheekpieces to Allardyce (GB), prior to entering the parade ring.
(GC & EM)
