Reckless Lad and Killian Leonard win for trainer Pat Martin© Photo Healy Racing
Just a head split them, as Reckless Lad (4/1) touched off Pedisnap (8s into 11/2) in the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Claiming Race at Dundalk.
Pedisnap drifted away to her left a furlong out and delivered her challenge along the rail.
Seamie Heffernan put his whip down close home and Killian Leonard got Reckless Lad (3rd here on Wednesday) home.
Favourite Georgian Bay ended up a length and a half back in third.
Pat Martin trains Reckless Lad for Derek Molloy and the County Meath-based handler said: "I think that equals the record here - nine wins I think is the record here.
"It was a bit iffy running him back so quick but there's really no other race for him before the end of the season here and handicaps are very competitive for him now.
"Claiming races are the way forward for him and thank God for these series (of races) as it gives the likes of him a chance to win a race and gives owners a bit of fun.
"He got the trip well enough and I hope we have him after tonight! He settled well tonight, they went a nice even gallop and Killian (Leonard) said it rode a fair old pace.
"He's quite versatile and he seemed to stay well enough two runs back when we were a bit too far back that day.
"Killian said he didn't see the other horse (Pedisnap) until very late, he said it was only in the last 50 yards that he saw the horse on the inside. He thought he was clear once he got past Georgian Bay.
"I knew it was close getting to the line and I wasn't sure we were in front, you are always fearing the worst."
Reckless Lad was the subject of a friendly claim by Pat Martin.
The Stewards enquired into the reason why Reckless Lad (Ire), ridden by K.J. Leonard, drawn in stall no 3 and Taylor Velvet (Ire), ridden by M.A. Gallagher, drawn in stall no 4, raced from incorrect stalls.
Evidence was heard from both riders concerned, D. Cullen I.H.R.B Starter, Matt Whyte Stall handler team leader and George Coogan stall handler.
Having view considered all the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that K.J. Leonard and M.A. Kallagher were in breach of Rule 208(iv) and cautioned both riders concerning their future responsibilities in this regard.
(MG & EM)
