The Highway Rat resumes winning ways Smart sprinter The Highway Rat (7/2f) ended a long wait for further success today, landing Navan’s Best of Luck On Your Retirement Joey Martin Handicap for trainer Andy Oliver and jockey Billy Lee. Previously a Dundalk Group 3-winner in October 2021 and last successful in September 2023, the seven-year-old today missed the break and was held up in rear, but finished well to edge ahead in the closing stages, beating Harry’s Hill by 1.25 lengths. Oliver reported “he was tardy enough away, they went a good clip and Billy had to keep him on the bridle so the horse doesn't make it simple! Once he got to the bottom of the hill, I said we were going to win because it is a long way home here over five furlongs. "He found every stride and it was a great ride by Billy - it was a very cool ride. He knows the horse and knows how to ride him. “The handicapper had only dropped him a couple of pound here-and-there but we were hopeful when we saw this race as it is all about 'horses for courses' and he likes this place. “He had a lot of weight to give away, but was a Group horse in his day. Whenever he revisits that form, he is always a danger. Older sprinters have their foibles, but he did it today so we are delighted." Quotes from Michael Graham
