Dexter Belle finishes strongly from third© Photo Healy Racing
Dexter Belle s late thrust saw her land the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF 'Bold Lad' Sprint Handicap in the Curragh at 50/1.
British-raider Mr Wagyu attempted to make all in this seven furlong premier handicap that got day two of Longines Irish Champions Weekend under way.
He was pressed outside the final quarter of a mile by both Big Gossey and Majestic Colt but they gave best outside the final furlong as Mr Wagyu tried to tough it out in the ever-softening ground.
It was the well-backed No More Porter who threw down a challenge racing into the final furlong. He was ridden by Jamie Powell to get the leader's measure with 100 yards to go, however, Andrew Slattery (replaced Hollie Doyle who is riding in Doncaster) conjured a surge out of Dexter Belle who got up in the final strides to win by a neck.
No More Porter was backed from 12/1 to 6/1 this morning and had to settle for the runner-up berth. Mr Wagyu was a head back in third at 9/1. Laugh A Minute came in a nose back in fourth for his backers at 12/1.
When asked if it was a surprise, trainer Eddie Lynam said: “Possibly, when Chris (Hayes) picked the other one (Rough Diamond, ninth). I loved her when I got her (ex-Kevin Ryan) and thought she was well handicapped.
“She ran a bit disappointing for me, but okay on Guineas weekend, but then she ran a stinker next time, it was desperate but my horses were out of form. She was in good form today.”
On the late rider change, he quipped: “That Hollie Doyle rides well!”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
