Charcor and delighted connections© Photo Healy Racing
The penultimate event of 2019 on the polytrack, the Dundalk Stadium - Light Up Your Night Handicap, went to 8/1 chance (from 10s), Charcor
Partnered by Shane Foley for his boss Jessica Harrington, Charcor raced in mid-division, and he made headway early in the straight.
Ridden and making progress into third over a furlong out, Charcor was under pressure and kept on well inside the final furlong to lead close home for a head win over Simsir
“He was good and tough. It rode a good race, they went and end-to-end gallop and the Halford horse was very well fancied,” said Foley.
“He fought him down well and he's not a bad horse when things happen for him.
“We hacked the last day over a mile-and-a-half and my lad was just too keen the whole way. His early exertions told and I wasn't hard on him because I knew this race was coming up in 10 days.
“He wants a mile-and-a-quarter in a true run race, he's not a bad horse.
“All year he's been second and third and then he won here,. He's been creeping up the handicap and I think he's really come alive on the all-weather, he loves the surface.
“I think Tom (Madden) will be on him the next day as I'm going to Japan next week for two months.
“I think he'll be kept going during the winter. I don't think he's a Dubai horse really, maybe next year, but they'll have plenty of fun with him.
“I've done two winter stints in Japan before. It's great to be invited and it's a quiet time at home.
“There will be plenty of time to dream over there with all the fillies at home. I will be back in time when they are starting to get back into work.
“It's been an absolutely fantastic year and it's great to end it on a winner as well. The Harrington team have been unbelievable to work for and it's gone from strength to strength all year. They've been a pleasure to work for.”
The Stewards fined John James Feane, trainer, €65 for failing to fit cheek pieces to Spruce Meadows prior to entering the parade ring.
(GC & EM)
