Lord Alfie (centre) disputes with Appletime(left) and Sherika before the last© Photo Healy Racing
Adrian Heskin once again successfully filled in for the sidelined Brian O’Connell as Lord Alfie came out on top in a dramatic, but also tragic, conclusion to the Taghmon Athletics Club Raceday Handicap Chase at Wexford. Cross To Boston put the pace to this 3m1f stamina test but spoiled his chance by continually jumping out to the left. Appletime took over at the third last but was joined by both Lord Alfie and 2/1 favourite Sherika in the straight, and all three were in the air together at the final fence.
However Appletime took a fatal fall, and Lord Alfie eventually came home a length and a quarter ahead of the ‘jolly’. Fiery Oscar was all of 30 lengths back in third.
On a tough evening for bookmakers, the winner was available at 14/1 this morning but was well-supported down to 5/1 at the off.
This completed a 32/1 double for Heskin and trainer Liz Doyle who were earlier on the mark with Maguire’s Glen.
Brian O’Connell was due to ride both winners but was stood down (stiff and sore) after being unseated from Our Milly Acres in the mares maiden hurdle.
Ms Doyle said, “He’s had a full wind op and it’s worked, although I didn’t think he’d be fit enough coming here today. It’s nice to have a double at my local track and it’s my first double at Wexford.
“We’ll tip away with him now as he doesn’t like the ground too heavy.”
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
