Slow starting Together Aclaim finishes fastest under Kennedy Following on from the unlikely success of Royal Entry in the previous contest, Together Aclaim (25/1) pulled off a similarly remarkable win in the concluding Racing Again June 13th Handicap. Slow out of the stalls and trailing early on, the John McConnell-trained victor soon made up the ground lost but remained in rear. Making progress approaching the straight, the 41-rated six-year-old was ridden and got a dream run through on the inner with a furlong-and-a-half to go. Getting to the front inside the final 200 yards, he quickly skipped clear and had half-a-length to spare at the line. Supported from 20s early into 9/1, Game Phoenix finished with a flourish to take second, while Deuteronomy and the well-backed Warrior Lord (12s to 9/2 late on) were close-up in third and fourth respectively. Bidding to complete a four-timer for Billy Lee, 7/2 favourite Gardone could only manage a disappointing tenth. "He was a little slowly away, I left him relax in behind and he picked up nicely to win," successful rider Keithen Kennedy reflected. "I was glad to have the slip-rail over two-furlongs out as I probably would have met traffic problems otherwise. "Getting him relaxed and getting cover helped as he enjoyed himself." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the home straight involving Rochester Mike, ridden by J. Pietropaolo, placed fifth and Warrior Lord, ridden by G.F. Carroll, placed fourth, where it appeared contact was made. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. J. Pietropaolo stated that his horse drifted into Warrior Lord twice but felt he had done his best to correct the movement. G.F. Carroll stated that his mount became tired in the final furlong. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. * S. Foley, rider of Metamorpheus, trained by Richard John O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran a little keen. * N.M. Crosse, rider of Still Rolling, trained by P.J.F. Murphy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran very keen. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
