Aggression and Shane Kelly win the Dundalk opener© Photo Healy Racing
Aggression was smooth with his finishing effort down the centre as the runners fanned out in the opening five furlong Dundalk Stadium — Light Up Your Night Handicap. That kick carried him all the way to a length and three quarter win under Shane Kelly.
Fifty to one chance Master Bond was the one to give the Michael O'Callaghan owned and trained Aggression most to do, but the lightly raced Marju gelding was quite comfortably best at the line.
"He's a smart horse. He has plenty of pace, travels well and he quickens well. He probably idled a bit when he got to the front but he was good enough to hold on thank god," said Kelly.
"That was only his fourth run. He had a run about a month-and-a-half ago and ran well. He had a good blow with me then so he was bound to come on from it.
"He had nothing to find with My Good Brother on that day, and we were confident enough he would put in a good run.
"Hopefully the handicapper is not too hard on him."
The Stewards enquired into an incident near the finish involving Sahreej ridden by D.E. Sheehy, placed fourth, Master Bond (GB), ridden by C.J. McGovern, placed second, Aggression, ridden by S.B. Kelly, placed first and Danz Gift ridden by W.M. Lordan, placed third, where it appeared Aggression drifted inwards towards the other runners in the closing stages.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr E. Sheehy, Master of D.E. Sheehy, attended this enquiry. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action.
(GC & EM)
