'Dusty' Foley (white cap) on the way to victory on Dark Alliance© Photo Healy Racing
A change of tactics and the addition of a tongue-strap saw Dark Alliance (6/1) give Michael Halford and Shane Foley another win in the Today FM Handicap, following on from Kernoff's success for the trainer and jockey in this heat last year at the Curragh.
Waited with, Dark Alliance eventually got the gap to come with his run from the furlong pole, and he got there in time to see off Ducky Mallon by a length and a quarter.
"We made too much use of him the last day, so I put a tongue tie on today and told Shane to give him a chance as there was plenty of pace around him," divulged Halford.
"It's the first horse I've had for the lads (Dark Alliance Partnership) and it's a nice weekend to get a winner."
That successful grouping includes Jonathan Mullin (Editor Irish Racing Post) and betting consultant Shane Reville.
R.P. Cleary, rider of Ask Dad (GB) trained by Damian Joseph English, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lugged left 200 yards from the finish.
W.M. Lordan, rider of Maria Montez (GB) trained by Timothy Doyle, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was unsuited by the fast going.
The Stewards received a report from Mr W. Fleming , Turf Club Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that G.J. Phillips , rider of Anonymous Lady , weighed in at 1.7 lbs overweight.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who stated that he had taken a drink of water after weighing out and this must have accounted for the overweight on weighing-in.
Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that G.J. Phillips was in breach of Rule 231 and they therefore suspended him for two race days having taken his previous record into account.
C.D. Hayes, rider of Oor Jock trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stumbled independently two and a half furlongs out.
(AM & EM)
