Bulgadin Lady prevails under Gary Halpin© Photo Healy Racing
"Gary gave her a lovely, patient ride there. The step up to a mile and a half suited and she was in her comfort zone," said winning trainer John Feane after Bulgadin Lady landed split one of the Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Championship Apprentice Handicap at Dundalk under Gary Halpin.
With eye-shields on for the first time and having her first outing for 67 days, the Zoffany three-year-old got the better of the joint market-leaders, Shake The Bucket and Bomber Jackson by half a length and a length and a quarter.
"She disappointed the last day at Limerick. She will come back here again," added Feane.
Well-backed 5/1 shot King Christophe didn't really get the run of the race and he finished seventh.
J.W. Kennedy, rider of Minot Street (CAN) trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was slowly away and didn't get a clear run thereafter.
The Stewards requested a report from John James Feane, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Bulgadin Lady, placed first, as compared with its most recent run.
The trainer reported that this horse possibly raced too freely at Limerick last time and was better suited by the run of the race today.
Having considered the report the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the straight involving Minot Street (CAN), ridden by J.W. Kennedy, Royal Roslea (GB), ridden by O.J. Orr, King Christophe, ridden by D.P. Linehan, Kalamkan (USA), ridden by S.B. Kelly, and Redwood Boy ridden by D.E. Sheehy, where it appeared Minot Street (CAN), Kalamhan (USA) and Redwood Boy ran short of room.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Bernard Caldwell, attended this enquiry with D.P. Linehan, and E. Sheedy attended this enquiry with D. E. Sheehy.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards apportioned no blame to any individual rider but advised the riders to ride with more care in future.
(AM & EM)
