Spelga and Colin Keane© Photo Healy Racing
After his win in the opener on Jack Davison’s Comin’ Through Colin Keane doubled up in split two of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk Handicap aboard Spelga
Switched to a first-time visor here, after sporting varying other types of head-gear in the past, Spelga (5/2) took his Dundalk score to four with Keane up for the initial occasion.
It was a while before any pace was injected here, eventual third Dande racing freely and left about his business on the front end from halfway down the back.
However Spelga was too strong for them all in the final furlong, beating favourite Blackstone Cliff and the aforementioned Dande by three and a quarter lengths and a short head.
“He's very consistent and always runs a good race,” said winning trainer Michael Halford.
“It was a ridiculously slowly run. Colin got a lovely position on him and I'd say the visor just helped him concentrate up the straight.
“It's lovely to win with him as Paul Rooney has been a great owner for us and the horse has been a good servant to him.
“It's great for Paul to get a winner because the owners are fantastic to have stayed so loyal all through the pandemic.
“Paul in particular loves nothing more than a day out at the races and we really appreciate his support. He'll get a good kick out of that.”
M.A. Gallagher, rider of Dande trained by F.Birrane, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got tight for room going to the first bend, received a little pressure from the outside and then ran too keenly.
(GC & EM)
