Birthday success for McGuinness as Go Athletico strikes in the Scurry Go Athletico left recent form well-behind, as he finished powerfully to provide Adrian McGuinness with the perfect birthday gift in the Kwiff Supercharged Betting Scurry Handicap. Without a win since his Renaissance Stakes success over the course and distance in September of 2023, the bay seven-year-old was racing today off a career low mark of 86. Returned at 20/1 (28s early), the French bred son of Goken was given a patient ride by Shane Foley, making progress from halfway. Short of room with a furlong and a half to go, he needed to be switched left inside the final 200 yards and while a response wasn't immediate when ridden, he swooped to the front in the closing stages, going on to score by half-a-length. After a tussle inside the final furlong, Fort Vega (9/2jfav) and Back Down Under (14/1) ultimately had to settle for second and third respectively, with half-a-length between them at the line. There was a two-and-a-half length gap back to Gazelle D'or (25/1) in fourth, while the well-supported Moltophino was the other 9/2 joint-favourite (from 6s) and he dead-heated for fifth. "It's a nice birthday present, I'm the big six oh today," said McGuinness. "I suppose class is permanent and form is temporary and he did lose his form big time. He slipped back down and we were very disappointed with him. "He does want juice in the ground. The ground is kind, I wouldn't say it’s slow or anything but it is beautiful. "He's a good horse, we were beating Big Gossey off levels 18 months ago here in group races and he's definitely come back. "He was in really good form. We went back to five last time and we probably shouldn't have. It think six or seven is his real trip now. "He'll probably pitch up in Galway now in the Ahonoora, that's where he’s going to go next. "I’m delighted for the lads, Jimmy (Fairhurst) is a big patron and big supporter of mine, and for Cyril (McMullan). "The other two horses (Goal Exceeded and Apache Outlaw, finished 7th and 8th) ran very well for me as well so I’m delighted. "We were mad keen to get him back (at the sales). I just felt if we could get him back at all there always going to be a day like this in him, whether or not he could get back to group company. "I'd have to win two Listed races to get the same prize money. With a gelding like that I'd rather go for good premier handicaps. I'm delighted for the horse and all the boys involved." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident as the horses left the stalls involving Tango Flare, ridden by J.A. Heffernan, unplaced, and Dandyville, ridden by G.M. Ryan, unplaced, where it appeared Dandyville jumped right into Tango Flare. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. * The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Big Gossey, ridden by R. Whearty, unplaced, and Moltophino, ridden by C.D. Hayes, placed fifth, where it appeared Moltophino edged out creating a gap. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. R. Whearty stated that his race was run and he had to sit as the horse on his outside edged out. C. D. Hayes stated that he leaned right off the heels of the horse in front. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards took no further action. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
