Veteran Cover so game in Listed race win

In the Listed Al Basti Equiworld Mercury Stakes strongly backed odds on favourite Take Cover put in a performance befitting the five furlong dash's feature race status at Dundalk.

The ten-year-old has been a remarkable servant for trainer David Griffiths, and the English raider made it three wins on the bounce here, again forcing things from the start.

When Hit The Bid narrowly went ahead from the furlong pole though, Take Cover and his jockey David Allan looked destined for second place.

However, the veteran Singspiel gelding fought back tenaciously in really difficult conditions and shaded the verdict by a neck.

Two-year-old Declarationofpeace ended up a length and a half off them in third.

"That's great and he's had a cracking season," said Griffiths, on Take Cover, following up on his 2015 win here.

"I was a bit worried when he got headed but it takes a good one to get by him or beat him when everything is right.

"He doesn't mind the all-weather and he battled back really well. I thought it was a cracking run from the second, being a three-year-old with a 3lb penalty.

"I'm delighted and it was so worth the trip over.

"Dave said the wind knocked him off balance about two out and he changed his legs a little bit and it took him time to get balanced.

"He does, for the most part, hang right quite a lot and that didn't help either, it pushed him more right.

"He could go to Hong Kong but he's 113 and they don't really look at you until you are 115.

"That's probably it for the season as he's won three listed races now and a Group three.

"He'll probably have a break and come back at 11 with a bit of luck next year. That sounds daft but hopefully he is as good as ever."

An extraordinary racehorse with an insatiable will to win! 10yo Take Cover rallies to bag the Listed Mercury Stakes at @DundalkStadium: pic.twitter.com/eHuFaldAM6

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 20, 2017

The Stewards interviewed Thomas P.O'Connor, trainer of Annie Fior regarding the late arrival of the horse into the Parade Ring.

Evidence was heard from the trainer who stated that he had two runners in this race.

Both of his riders were delayed having ridden in the previous race and he relied on them to help him saddle his runners.

Additionally, his mount gave difficulty in the fitting of a tongue tie and he made the best effort to enter the parade ring on time.

Having considered the evidence, the Stewards found Thomas P. O' Connor to be in breach of Rule 32 (ii), and having considered his record cautioned him regarding his future responsibilities.

(GC & EM)