Colin Keane drives Out On Friday home© Photo Healy Racing
Out On Friday got the victory he had been promising when taking division one of the extended mile handicap in Galway.
He was prominent early before Colin Keane sent him into the lead after a furlong.
The four-year-old gelding enjoyed himself out in front and had the pursuers off the bridle coming to the final furlong and a half.
The 100/30 favourite was ridden off the home bend and was always doing enough to see off a staying-on Darkened (7/1) by three parts of a length. Dance Emperor (12/1) finished third beaten two lengths by the winner.
Trainer Philip Byrne said: “Colin made it look easy on him as he’s a great rider but the horse showed he could do it last week too with that effort at Leopardstown.
“He had to have a big shout off a similar mark though having said that he’s a tricky sort.
“He didn’t like going left-handed at Leopardstown and seeing as he enjoyed today he could be back here on Sunday.
“We’ll have to get someone else then with Colin out (quarantining after his ride on Siskin at Goodwood).
“We broke this fella ourselves back at base in Birr, and it’s taken him until this season to really come to himself.
“I’m delighted for his owner/breeder Tony (Deegan). He’s from Portumna and not surprisingly he’s always wanted a winner at Galway.”
Out On Friday got off the mark at the 17th time of asking. He was headed at the post in Leopardstown last Thursday.
The Stewards interviewed J.M. Sheridan, rider of Darkened, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found the rider in breach of Reg.10.3(g)(frequency) and having taken his record into account suspended him for two race days.
Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
