Khabaray leads home his rivals under Billy Lee© Photo Healy Racing
Richard O'Brien recorded his first winner on the turf as his Khabaray landed the Breast Cancer Ireland Handicap.
Based in Ballingarry, Co Limerick, O'Brien saddled his first win with just his fourth runner at Dundalk in January, and he since added two more victories at the all-weather venue.
In fact Khabaray provided O'Brien with his most recent success in March, and the son of Intikhab went in again this evening.
Having opened on-course at 15/2, he eventually went off a well-supported 6/1 chance under Billy Lee.
Settled in mid-division on the inner, the four-year-old bay took closer order and travelled smoothly from three furlongs out.
He was ridden in fifth with a furlong and a half left to race and soon came with his challenge between horses, getting to the front inside the final 100 yards, going on to score by three parts of a length. Rose Anjou who was sent off the 3/1 favourite, kept on well to take second under Pat Smullen for Tracey Collins, while Yulong Baokui (12s to 9s) was another length and three parts back in third with Shane Foley in the saddle for Mick Halford.
The Keith Clarke trained Dandy Dude (10/1) completed the placings. He was a further nose back in fourth under Robbie Downey.
O'Brien, who has five in training, said afterwards: "He ran very well the last day at Dundalk as he completely missed the break. I always thought he could do something like that, and Billy said he never travelled like that with him prior to tonight.
"I haven't really looked beyond tonight but hopefully there is something for him back here in two or three weeks time. I've had a few winners at Dundalk but that's my first turf winner."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards interviewed C.T. Keane, rider, in relation to the use of a mobile phone in the parade ring, prior to this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that C.T.Keane was in breach of Regulation 16 and having considered his clean record, cautioned him concerning his future responsibilities in this regard.
C. O'Donoghue, rider of Boy Charlton trained by David Marnane, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled on the ground(good to firm,good in places).
D.M. Simmonson, rider of Surewhynot trained by Sabrina J. Harty, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his saddle slipped in running.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
