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Mark Nunan
Meade provides Neil Ryan with first winner
Crassus (near side) swoops late under Neil Ryan
© Photo Healy Racing
The Paddy Power 'I'd Love A Pint But I Forgot My Covid Cert' Handicap saw 19-year-old Neil Ryan from Leixlip partner his first winner on Crassus (13/2).
The War Command gelding was dropped out by his young rider and raced towards the rear before making steady headway towards the stands’ side in the straight. The 4-year-old challenged inside the final furlong and led close home to beat Na Caith Tobac (33/1) by three quarters of a length. El Tren (20/1) and Dha Leath (10/1) completed the placings.
It was a first win on the level for Crassus who was successful over hurdles at Limerick last year.
Winning trainer Noel Meade said: “I'm so thrilled for the young lad because he rides all the work at home.
“He's been with me all last season and he's a smasher. He served his time with Kevin (Prendergast) as an apprentice.
“I'm sure he'll get a few rides now over the winter on the all-weather after that.
“He's a grand chap, a lovely lad, who works hard so I'm delighted for him.
“It's amazing as everyone has ridden him. Colin (Keane) has ridden him I don't know how many times to be second and Chris (Hayes) has ridden him to be second.
“He's in the sales next week but whether he goes or not now I don't know.”
Quotes from Gary Carson