Ucanchoose, left, wins narrowly in Tipperary© Photo Healy Racing
A significant gamble was landed at Tipperary as Ucanchoose repelled all-comers in the five furlong handicap.
Backed from 12/1 in morning trading to 4/1 on the off Declan McDonogh drove him home in the final furlong as Ever Yours and Shinyhappyjohn pursued him right to the line.
The winner had actually dropped to fourth 150 yards out and his backers must have thought the gamble had been foiled, but he responded to McDonogh’s urgings and led again close home to win by a neck. Ever Yours (8/1) was narrowly pipped while Shinyhappyjohn (6/1) was half a length back in third.
Handler Andrew Slattery was represented by his brother Brian who said: “That’s his race and this is his place. He’s entered for Ffos Las on Monday, but I’m pretty sure he won’t go. We were delighted to see the rain as five furlongs on a good dig is ideal for him.”
This was Ucanchoose's fourth win over five furlongs at Tipperary. He had blinkers back on this evening.
This win gave Andrew Slattery and Declan McDonogh a double at Tipperary as Lupie won the first race on the card.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes