Sign From Above leads home his rivals under Sam Ewing© Photo Healy Racing
Sign From Above provided Peter Fahey with his fourth winner from his last five runners, as he claimed the finale at Down Royal, the Grant Thornton Handicap.
Bought for E225,000 as a yearling, the Sea The Stars gelding failed to make a significant impact in three starts for Jessica Harrington and was last seen finishing ninth of 16 behind Busselton at Roscommon in June
Making his debut for Fahey this evening, the four-year-old was available at 12/1 in early shows, going as short as 9/2, before drifting out to a starting price of 11/2.
Settled behind the leaders by Sam Ewing and fourth from halfway, the bay victor was angled off the rail over two furlongs from home and soon got to the front.
Ridden and pressed over a furlong out, he battled on gamely in the closing stages, keeping on well to score by two-and-a-quarter lengths. Firstman (17/2) ran on well to take second under Ben Coen for Tony Martin, while Magi Gal (22/1) was another two-and-a-quarter lengths back in third. Mr Coldstone who was returned the 3/1 favourite, could only manage seventh, while the well-backed Secret Secret (12s early, returned 7/2) was sixth.
"He's a nice horse and he had some lovely runs in maidens. He looked like a horse that was going to step up in trip and thrive away," Fahey, who trains the winner for his wife Bernadette, said.
"He did it well and I think he will improve a good bit from it. He's still a big baby.
"I've had him from a couple of weeks after his last run. I suppose he was always going to start off in handicaps.
"He schools away very well over hurdles and is something to look forward to.
"He is a gorgeous-looking horse and cost a few quid as a yearling.
"Sam has been very lucky for me. I rate him very highly and he gets on well with horses, and he's a lovely lad. He's only 18, it's hard to believe. He's very strong when it comes down to the finish.
"They're in great form and, in fairness, it is everyone at home. We have great staff and Andrew (Leigh, brother-in-law) picked out this horse in Harrington's."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards advised Patrick Martin, trainer, that his charge El C Wells could be liable to a suspension if she repeated her behaviour of failing to canter to the start. Dismounted and led
J. Coen, rider of El C Wells trained by Patrick Martin, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung severely left throughout this race.
R.P. Cleary, rider of Numidia trained by Peter Lawlor, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left throughout this race.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
