Indian Tomahawk stretches out well for Fergal Lynch as Sgt Rock and Jacobs Well chase in vain© Photo Healy Racing
They may have come up short in the opener with the well-backed favourite Mr Bounty (4th). However you won't keep men like Michael O'Callaghan and Fergal Lynch down for too long and they struck in race two, the Dundalk Stadium – Light Up Your Night (C & G) Maiden with Indian Tomahawk
Given his 77-rating Indian Tomahawk returned at a big starting price of 10/1 (indeed touched 12s on the show) but perhaps it wasn't all that surprising as Charlie Bear (the eventual 5/2 favourite, finished 2nd after running freely) had been 'put through the floor' earlier in the day.
The principals shifted about a bit at the business end but Indian Tomahawk, who led after about a furlong and a half, saw out the seven furlongs well to prevail by a length and a half. Sgt Rock filled the third spot, a nose back, whilst Shannon Soul a newcomer, showed promise after dwelling at the start and he ended up in fourth.
"We always thought he was a nice horse in the spring but he disappointed on his first run here," said O'Callaghan.
"He's been a bit of a playboy and we had him gelded. He ran in a visor for the first time at Naas in the Birdcatcher and they helped sharpen him up but he became unbalanced on the ridges.
"We always thought he was capable of winning a maiden. I have to give Fergal credit and it was his idea to make the running and he executed it well. He kept galloping all the way to the line.
"The penny is only dropping now with him and he's learning what racing is about. There's nothing wrong with his attitude. He should improve again as he carries a lot of condition.
"He is for sale but if we don't sell him he'll be a nice horse for good ground next year."
F.M. Berry, rider of Sgt Rock (USA), trained by Charles O'Brien, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung right in the straight.
(GC & EM)
