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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Stoichkhov strikes again under Dawson

Fri 7th Feb 2014, 20:01

Stoichkhov and Ray Dawson win for trainer Michael Cleary Stoichkhov and Ray Dawson win for trainer Michael Cleary
© Photo Healy Racing

Stoichkhov stuck on well in the closing stages to record back-to-back victories at Dundalk for trainer Michael Cleary.

Ray Dawson was in front early on the 9/2 shot but settled third after a furlong. Atlas Peak cut out the running and was pressed by Tsar Paul

Dawson was rowing along on Stoichkhov turning for home but he stayed on to lead a furlong-and-a-half from home and held the late challenge of Elusive Gent to win by a length.

Stoichkhov had struck over seven furlongs at the track a fortnight ago and the other of his three career victories had come over course and distance last March.

“He's in good form and he kept at it well,” said the winning rider afterwards.

The field was fanned out across the track in the straight and the wind, which has picked up noticeably since racing began, proved tough going for the runners in division one of the mile handicap.

Dawson commented: “The wind is really blowing us across the track. It's not too bad for a seven furlong or mile race but I think it would dangerous over five where they are going a real clip.”

(Additional reporting Alan Magee)

About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.