Front-running Friday proves game under Joyce Adopting his customary front-running role, Out On Friday led from pillar to post to register a eighth career win in the Garvey's Bar Ballintubber Handicap. Without a win since July of last year, the admirable Philip Byrne-trained nine-year-old had been disappointing in recent starts at Navan and Gowran respectively. Touching 20/1, before two defections, the 62-rated bay came in for plenty of support and was eventually returned a 13/2 chance in the colours of owner/breeder Tony Deegan. Shaking off the attentions of Preparations (11/4f) from the two-furlong pole, he was soon ridden and battled gamely in the closing stages under Wesley Joyce, holding off the effort of Action Plan (18/1), who was short of room with a furlong and a half to go, by a neck. "He's a brilliant horse, we're delighted," Offaly based Byrne enthused. "He had a great draw this evening and Wesley is riding out of his skin at the moment. "He had three weeks since his last run, we gave him a chance, and we were hoping for a good run. "Wesley just gets it right from the front, he gets his fractions perfect. "We've no great plan after today, he'll probably run again in about two weeks time. "That's his eighth win now and he's won a race in six of his years racing. "Soundness is the big thing, they can stay racing and come back every season if they stay sound." STEWARDS REPORTS * M.W Hassett, rider of Solar Drive, trained by Paul W. Flynn, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount clipped a heel in running. * The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the home straight involving Action Plan, ridden by S. Foley, placed second, Ragmans Corner, ridden by C.T. Keane, placed third, Preparations, ridden by A.J. Slattery, placed fifth, Solar Drive, ridden by M.W Hassett, placed sixth, and Out On Friday, ridden by W. Joyce, placed first, where it appeared numerous horses came close together. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. M.W. Hassett stated that he received contact from his inside and clipped a heel with the horse on his outside. A.J. Slattery stated that he tried to hold his racing line for as long as he could but his mount was tiring. S. Foley stated that he was waiting for a gap to appear and slowly edged out when it did. C.T. Keane stated that he received a slight bump on his hind quarters. W. Joyce stated that he kept a straight line. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards took no further action other than to advise S. Foley to ride with more patience if in a similar situation in future. Mr. Niall Rooney, Raceday Steward, recused himself from this enquiry. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
