Wrong Turn, right, faces a challenge from Mackeys Forge© Photo Healy Racing
In a race marred by plenty of fallers Wrong Turn stayed on best under Shane Shortall to beat Mackeys Forge in a driving finish to the two mile five handicap chase at Leopardstown.
The four-year-old, trained by Tony Martin, won a handicap chase in May in Killarney before falling in his next two chasing engagements in Tipperary and Gowran Park.
However, in that Gowran race he looked to have a great chance when falling at the second last. This was duly noted as he was sent off 5/1 joint favourite today.
He was lobbing along behind Baily Dusk as that leader came round the home bend. When Baily Dusk weakened Wrong Turn looked to have the race at his mercy. Mackeys Forge though had other ideas as he proved to be a serious rival as they jumped the last.
On the run-in it was hammer and tongs all the way and two challengers bumped each other once. In the end Wrong Turn prevailed by a neck.
Mackeys Forge was second at 20/1 with six lengths back to Heathfield (20/1) in third and 33/1 shot Cherryantor fourth, another four lengths away. This race attracted 18 runners, however, only nine finished.
“He’s a good lepper and he’s only a novice. It was an excellent ride by Shane who is great value for his claim. He’s very good tactically and has a great head,” Tony Martin said.
“I’m delighted for owner John Breslin. It’s great to have a winner for him here over Christmas.”
There was a stewards enquiry called but the result stood.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
