Unklipped and Cal Shine, near side, beats Aeros Luck © Photo Healy Racing
It was a memorable day in Kilbeggan for Cal Shine who rode his first track winner on 200/1 outsider Unklipped in the qualified riders' maiden hurdle. Aeros Luck looked to have come with a winning challenge after two out when he travelled well to head hard-at-work Aeros Luck, however, Shine conjured up a finish from Unklipped.
The pair challenged Aeros Luck and Joey Dunne on the run-in and ran them down inside the final 100 yards to win going away by two and a-half lengths.
The runner-up was gambled on from 12/1 to 15/2 and finished seven and a-half lengths clear of Colonel Bellew (12/1).
Unklipped hadn't troubled the judge in four previous outings and unseated when last seen in Tramore.
“Heather (Buckle, owner) came over from England today to see her run. The last day we were very disappointed, she just put up no performance. We just thought she needed to be ridden more positively,” said trainer Denis Leahy.
“Obviously, it was a surprise. I told Heather all winter that we have a mare that's well capable, but things just need to click. Her pedigree isn't bad.
“To be fair, Cal gave her a great ride and that's what she needed.
“The handicapper can't be too hard on her as the highest-rated horse in the race was 104. Hopefully, he won't crucify us.
“We're only getting to her now and I hope she'll improve. She'll jump a fence in time.”
Shine has ridden 14 point-to-point winners.
The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr. A O. Harrington, rider of Robin De Boston, who fell at the last hurdle in this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted that he had continued to race on despite being tailed off and also accepted that he should have pulled up before atempting to jump the last. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Mr. A.O. Harrington was in breach of Rule 272(i) and having considered his record in this regard, the Raceday Stewards suspended him for five racedays.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
