Split The Atom and Donnacha O'Brien© Photo Healy Racing
He wandered in the straight and lost his stride momentarily when racing alongside the rail in the final furlong, but Split The Atom (2/5) still landed the odds in the BestOdds Guaranteed 188BET Claiming Race at Dundalk.
Donnacha O'Brien rode the 87-rated 'hot-pot,' for Thistle Bloodstock and Pat Shanahan, and despite the seconds of anxiety he had a length and a half in hand over Almadaa at the line.
"It depends on whether he's claimed as to where he'll go next," said Shanahan.
"I'd like to keep him but he's there to be claimed. He's been a great servant. He's won five for us and been placed 15 times.
"He's dead tough and you could run him every week. Someone will have fun with him."
In at a price of 20K, there were twelve claims in for Split The Atom. He was landed by the Big Wheel Syndicate, based in Kilkenny. Nicholas Doyle was acting on their behalf and they reportedly have horses with David Marnane.
The Stewards interviewed Adrian O'Shea, rider of Fainleog concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion Adrian O'Shea was in breach of Regulation 10 3 (g) in that he used his whip with his arm above shoulder height, and having taken his record into account, they cautioned him.
The Stewards informed Denis W. Cullen, trainer that Little Cupcake (GB), would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.
(GC & EM)
