Slade Power, right, gets up to beat Arctic at Fairyhouse © Photo Healy Racing
Well-backed Slade Power came with a powerful run to beat Arctic by half a length in the featured Listed Belgrave Stakes at Fairyhouse over six furlongs.
The winner was supported from 7/2 to 11/4 in the betting ring and trainer Eddie Lynam was delighted with the success. He said: “He has a bit of class about him. I think he’ll be very good. I didn’t know his ground and I had to find out. I think he handled it.
“Wayne said he wasn’t in love with it [ground]. He was in at Newbury yesterday but I didn't run him. In nine months ne could be very good.”
Owner David Power commented: “He’ll have a little break and could go for the Betfred Gold Cup at Haydock. I think he would prefer good ground.”
He also said that Sole Power, that he also owns, will have an entry in the Prix de l'Abbaye.
Arctic was runner-up at 3/1 while 20/1 shot Santo Padre took third. There was a jockey change on After – Seamie Heffernan rode her instead of Joseph O’Brien – as Joseph O’Brien was feeling a little unwell after travelling home from France and felt he couldn’t do the 8 12 weight. After finished fifth. Gordon Lord Byron was sent off 2/1 favourite (from 3/1) and came in fourth.
After the race Niall McCullagh reported to the Stewards that his mount Lady Pastrana lost a shoe during the race and she was found to be lame post race when examined by the vet.
Michael Graham
