The remarkable, Tom McCourt-trained eight-year-old Inishmot Prince registered his tenth success on Dundalk’s polytrack when taking the six-furlong Join Us On Instagram @dundalk_stadium Handicap.
The Elzaam gelding, off the bridle at half-way, kept finding for James Ryan, who has been on board for all of his wins (including as a 10lb claimer back in February 2022) and came through strongly at the furlong pole to beat Mehman and long-time leader Plushy.
“He’s a right old horse, a simple horse to train, although he has had a little issue with his hind heels,” explained a delighted McCourt, “He’s always behind the bridle in his races, but he’s down to a great mark (20lb lower than his highest winning mark).
“I went home disappointed the last day. But he likes a bit of space in his races and James knows all his quirks. Hopefully, we might get another win with him here before the end of the winter campaign.”
James Ryan completed a fine double when Paul Flynn brought The Real Screamer back after a length absence (since July) to land a gamble and retain his unbeaten polytrack record in the finale.
Recording his third course and distance win, the Awtaad gelding came through smoothly to master Trishuli River by three lengths and looks set for another fruitful campaign, both on the flat and over hurdles.
Trainer Natalia Lupini and Wayne Lordan shared a 266/1 double with Pass Me If you Can and Thaloria.
Dropping in trip, Pass Me If You Can took the five-furlong View Restaurant At Dundalk Stadium Maiden, beating Dusty Rock and the frustrating This Guy.
“He had two solid runs and dropping back in trip helped him,” said Lupini, “He’s quite big, travels and quickens – this was a good performance. We’ll keep him at five furlong here for now. And six furlongs might suit him on nice ground during the summer.”
The double was completed when Thaloria (40/1), ninth on her stable debut last month, proved a shock winner of the Floodlit Friday Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap, getting the better of the flattering Desert Of The Sea.
The winning trainer commented, “It’s a nice start for everybody – a lovely double. This filly’s work has been good. She’s still developing and we were hoping for a batter run than the last day. She was a cheap on-line purchase, so there’s no pressure.
“Wayne feels there should be more improvement to come. She’s lovely and relaxed and should go a mile.”
The Ado McGuinness-trained Exquisite Acclaim (Adam Caffrey) recorded his third course and distance success when landing the seven-furlong Dundalk Winter Series Leading Trainer & Jockey Championship Handicap, sitting in a handy position before committing for home and hold the late surge of slow-starter Brewing by three-quarters of a length.
“He ran very well the last day and just bumped into one,” said McGuinness, “He always gets his day and loves to battle. And Adam gave him a great ride.
“He might go to Newcastle next week for a thirty-five grand handicap – he could be competitive in it.”
Recently returned from a winter sojourn in Qatar, Gavin Ryan brought Mark Fahey’s debutante Nowshesdancing, a Teofilo filly, from last to first to thwart flattering favourite Tyraxes by a neck in the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Maiden.
“She’s green and raw but, the way she did it, she must be pretty decent,” said Fahey, “She’s going to improve no end. I don’t what there is for her back here, but she’ll be going jumping.”
And Joseph O’Brien supplied a notable 1-2 in the Book Online At DundalkStadium.com Maiden as once-raced, Al Shaqab-owned 4/1 shot Porter (Declan McDonogh) proved a fluent winner over 11/8 favourite Arrietty.
McDonogh said, “I had a lovely set-up. The pace was honest and he dropped his head. He was green but found plenty and was strong at the line. The extra distance brought improvement and he’s going the right way.”
