Whoyakodding and Shane Shortall (nearest) jump the last alongside Wild Desire© Photo Healy Racing
Paul Nolan and Evan Daly were denied a Wexford double when their Wild Desire could manage only third place in the Menapia Motors Renault Opportunity Handicap Hurdle (division two) behind Garrett Ahern's Whoyakodding (7/1).
Shane Shortall did the steering for Ahern on the successful seven-year-old, and try as hard as favourite Cantkidakidder did, it wasn't enough to deny the County Cork-trained winner a length and a quarter verdict.
Wild Desire was just a length and three parts back in third in his attempt to supplement the gains of the Nolan/Daly winner in the opener, Dia Del Sol
"He has been knocking on the door along time. I'd say the softening of the ground helped as he just stays galloping," said Ahern.
"He got a great ride from Shane. He had his homework done as he had spoken to Paul Townend.
"He just has to be kept wide as he will not travel between horses. It's great for his owners who have been more than patient with me and the horse to be fair to them.
"He might go to Listowel next Saturday, he'll get an entry anyway. There is an 80 to 102 race there, Andrew (the handicapper) can't be too harsh on him I think. It's over two and a half miles again.
"He is a bit small so we will give him another go over hurdles. He might go back over fences next spring.
"He unseated at the last with Jody Townend aboard when running very well in a hunters chase at Killarney in May."
The Stewards interviewed S.A. Shorthall, rider of Whoyakodding (GB), concerning his use of the whip in closing stages of this race.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.
Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that S.A. Shorthall was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency.
Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended him for 2 racedays.
(DM & EM)
