Adjusted hits the line ahead of Panama Hat© Photo Healy Racing
Adjusted foiled Panama Hat #8217;s bid for a six-timer as he beat him into second in the ‘Northfields’ Handicap at the Curragh.
Panama Hat was off the bridle with three furlongs to go in this mile and a half race. At that stage was racing in sixth, but he responded to Chris Hayes’ pressure and started to cut into Adjusted’s lead in the final furlong. At the winning post though, he still had a neck to find.
Colm O’Donoghue steered Adjusted home at 11/2 while Panama Hat was returned the 4/1 favourite. Shemshal for Tony Martin and Wayne Lordan got a place dividend in third. He was a length and three parts away in third.
“He’s a good tough horse. He works with Leading Light and he’s getting better,” successful trainer Aidan O’Brien said.
Today’s crowd figure of 10,978 compares favourably with last year’s 5,285.
Over the 16 races that comprised Irish Champions Weekend, it was an 8-8 draw between Irish and British-based trainers.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
