Alissam completes quick double for 'Emerging Talent' nominee There was a thrilling conclusion to the View Restaurant At Dundalk Stadium Median Auction Maiden, with newcomer Alissam springing a 25/1 surprise to complete a quick double for Stephen Thorne. Recently announced as a nominee in the 'Emerging Talent' category at the upcoming HRI Awards, Thorne saddled his first winner at this very fixture 12-months ago, before later going on to complete a double. Settled in mid-division by Jack Kearney, the successful Sands Of Mali chestnut was pushed along entering the straight and soon edged right. Improving into a share of second and ridden with a furlong to go, the E2,000 Goffs Autumn Yearling Sale graduate edged left and came with his challenge between horses inside the final 150 yards, getting up in the final strides to prevail by a nose. Returned at 85/40, the Jessica Harrington-trained Now Maybe was the one just denied, while Fox In Flight (13/8f), who led for much of the contest, folded late on and was a head away in third. Thorne, who won the previous contest with Ocean Manifest, commented in the aftermath: "I'm pleasantly surprised! "He is obviously owned by our Saudi client, Essam Saiel, and he has been a great supporter of ours. Pink Oxalis has been a star filly for them this year. Very, very lucky to have her on our side. I'm just delighted for him. "This horse was picked up very cheaply last year at the Autumn Sale. The family come over and they inspect the yearlings themselves, Essam's nephew comes over and inspects them. They picked this horse out - very little pedigree, but he had a good sire (Sands of Mali) on his side. His stats are off the charts - tough, very tough (progeny). "The penny was only dropping with him the last couple of weeks in work. He's a horse we took our time with and we knew he was going to be more of a three-year-old type. "I don't know where we are going next, because that is a big surprise to me." Additional reporting by Michael Graham
