Masalai wins under Oisin Orr© Photo Healy Racing
It’s Oisin Orr (38) Andrew Slattery (40) in the race to be champion apprentice for 2019 as the chief protagonists filled the first two positions in the second split of the BetVictor Bet 5 Get 40 Offer Handicap. Masalai gained the day under Orr.
Eddie Lynam ’s charge got in as a reserve to this seven furlong heat and the now three time Dundalk victor triumphed by half a length and a head.
Slattery, riding Khafaaq (5/1 into 4/1 favourite), for his father Andy, finished second. Ballydoyle’s Magic Fountain was third.
“He's probably suffered a bit in that he's been ready to run for a while but there have been so many entries up here and he's been reserve a few times,” said Lynam.
“He's a bit like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, he's been on the bench a bit!
“He got his chance today. Pat Martin rang me to say his wasn't running and then we found out ours (Dubai Rainbow) wasn't running.
“He did it well and he keeps the apprentice title alive for the lads which is good.
“He's won three here and he'll come back in maybe a month's time, we'll try and win another one.”
The Stewards enquired into an incident approximately 1 and a half furlongs from the finish involving Sayesse (GB), ridden by C.D. Maxwell, Midnitemudcrabs ridden by W.J. Lee, Prime Chief ridden by R.P. Whelan and Piper Bomb ridden by C.T. Keane, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that the incident was accidental in nature and took no further action.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Sayesse (GB), trained by Gavin Cromwell, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.
(GC & EM)
