Thorne making rapid returns with Instant Appeal Bargain-buy Instant Appeal (6/5f) completed a hat-trick of recent Dundalk wins today, landing the Bar 1 Betting Gift Vouchers Available In Shop Handicap for trainer Stephen Thorne and jockey Jack Kearney. Runner-up to a subsequent Beresford Stakes winner on career debut and third behind City Of Troy on his second start of 2023, Instant Appeal had missed 581 days prior to returning this year and joined Thorne following his £15,500 July-purchase. Having scored at the Co Louth venue in November, Instant Appeal was again ridden from off the pace in today’s race and, having led a furlong out, finished well to beat runner-up Big Gossey by 1.25 lengths. Thorne said "We said we would test the waters over seven furlongs because there was no race for him until mid-February and he was in ripping form. I was keen to get him back out and obviously he loves the surface. “He has been a remarkable horse the last couple of months for us and is flying the flag. "We are thinking about going to the Good Friday meeting in Newcastle for a couple of our horses and I think a stiff mile would suit Instant Appeal. We have an eye on a race and maybe he’ll have a prep run, possibly over a mile here on February 20. "He's very lightly raced and, in fairness, he presented to us in great shape. We bought him in an online sale and I think these online sales will become more prevalent in the future because not everyone can get to see these horses or get to the sales. It was good timing for the sellers and also for us. The lads are having great enjoyment and fun." Quotes from Michael Graham
