Nakasero (Ronan Whelan) sticks his head out© Photo Healy Racing
Nakasero added to a win at Killarney this summer when coming out best in an exciting finish to the Book Online At DundalkStadium.com Handicap on the Polytrack.
Trained in partnership by Michael Halford and Tracey Collins for Mark Phelan, the 11/4 (from 4/1) favourite was one of many still in with a shout over a furlong out.
Ronan Whelan ’s mount kept on gamely inside the final furlong and had a head to spare over Rock Etoile at the line with the hat-trick seeking Shaaden just a neck away in third.
Halford said, "It was hard, drawn 16, they went very fast and he likes being up there. He had plenty to contend with.
"He showed a great willingness, and Ronan gave him a super ride. Ronan has been riding tremendous all year long - the two of them were seen at their best there. He had a very willing partner, and he gave him a great ride.
"The early pace was very strong and he had a wide enough passage from his draw, so they did well.
"There's a rated race up here, maybe this side of Christmas, so I'll see how he is. I haven't it really in my mind - he had a tough enough race there, so we will see how he comes out of that."
Quotes by Michael Graham
