McCormack off the mark with Action Direct Action knuckled down gamely to land the median auction maiden at Dundalk, giving trainer Derek McCormack his first winner. The Territories colt went to post as 13/2 shot in the seven furlong contest as he stepped up in trip for the first time, having finished fourth at Navan last time over just shy of six. Colin Keane had to navigate some traffic early in the straight on his mount before hitting the front in the centre a furlong from home. Direct Action kept on well in the closing stages to hold the challenge of Farmerspolish by a neck. McCormack said: "It’s brilliant and I’m over the moon for everybody at the yard - Jim (Ryan) and John (Kirkland) especially who have been very good. "I thought the bottom horse (Sonic Sabiha) with the light weight and 10lb off its back, I was really worried. I knew I had Colin on board which was a big confidence booster. "I fancied him big-time coming into today. His last run was very positive, and we always knew he would stay a bit further. "We were wondering about the ground, but he handles it well. "I couldn't tell (if he was in front), I was a nervous wreck! It is great to get it done. "We have four in training, but Jim and John have been very good as we have a lot of yearlings in for breaking. Jim has been a massive, massive help in training. "I'm based in Milltown Stud, and the Curragh is right on the doorstep. We have great facilities there at home. "I'd say we will see him here again, he seems to handle that well and we will have a look and see what there is for him. He's a hard horse as well, he takes his work well. "This is different, the amount of work that you put in. When you're a jockey you get on board, and get off and hand the horse back. I wasn't a top-class jockey, but we tried our best. The amount of work you put in (training) and the long days, the reward is unbelievable." (Quotes by Michael Graham)
