He may be small but Have A Nice Day has an engine as he showed at Dundalk tonight© Photo Healy Racing
His starting price at 14/1 may have been a doubling of the offer about him this morning, and his rider Leigh Roche may have put up 3Ibs over-weight (unable to draw his 3Ib allowance off eight stone four) but Have A Nice Day still prevailed in the Dundalk Stadium – Light Up Your Night Handicap.
Only five and quarter lengths separated the whole nine runner field but Have A Nice Day was a length and a half superior to Boughtforasong at the head of affairs. He led from the quarter mile pole and stayed on well to see off all challengers.
Winning trainer Sabrina Harty revealed: "That was a surprise. Everyone that's ridden him has said that it's a bit quick for him here and that he wouldn't be at his best until he hits the turf.
"He's a bit backward and he didn't come in until July last year. All he does is eats and sleeps. He's pretty small, only about 15 hands but he seems to enjoy his racing.
"It was his first handicap and I thought he'd need the experience but he stays well and kept at it.
"It's great that the owners are here, Laurence and Helen Dempsey. They're from Edenderry (County Offaly) and weren't sure if they'd make it. They're dairy farmers and have cows calving at present." (AM & EM)
