Takeachancejimmy (Robbie Colgan, right) beats Eastern Racer (Sean Davis)© Photo Healy Racing
Nigel Slevin’s six-year-old Takeachancejimmy (22s into 16s) won his fourth race overall and second at Navan when taking the Blackcastle Handicap at Proudstown Park this afternoon.
Robbie Colgan ’s mount beat another of the older horses in the line-up, Eastern Racer (an 8yo) by a length and a quarter. Favourite and front-runner Passing Trade had no more to give in the final furlong and ended up two and three quarters of a length back in third.
The three-year-olds, Sea The Dawn and David Garrick finished fourth and fifth respectively.
The trainer's brother Rory Slevin said:- “He was quite unlucky first time out this year when he clipped heels and should have won. We don't know what happened to him the last day.
“That's a good kick for Rob, the guy leading him up. He's the owner's son and rides him out most days. He's working with horses all his life.
“The owner's wife is sick at the moment so it will be a good boost for her as well.
“He's a consistent sort and he's not winning out of turn. We fancied him today but these are tricky handicaps.”
The Stewards requested a report from Nigel Thomas Slevin, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Takeachancejimmy, placed first, as compared with its most recent run.
Rory Slevin, Authorised Representative for the trainer, reported that he could offer no explanation for the disappointing run at Leopardstown other than that the horses that were ridden prominently didn't seem to finish out their race and perhaps the horse appreciated being ridden more patiently today.
Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
(GC & EM)
