Numidia & Mel again prevail by a whisker Numidia and Mel Sheridan won by a nose at Bellewstown earlier this month and again needed the assistance of the photo-finish judge before being confirmed the winner of the GAIN The Advantage Series Apprentice Handicap at Down Royal. The Peter Lawlor-trained gelding and Masego battled it out inside the final furlong with the 9/2 shot just coming out on top by a short-head. The pair pulled seven and a half lengths clear of Banana Three in third. Lawlor said, “He pays his way. I don't know how many times I was getting rid of him! Not now, that's his sixth win. “He was up 8lb and Mel took 7lb off - I couldn't believe it, he was sitting still and riding like a professional there. For a 'learner driver', he was staying cool. He battled on well. "He does have a Dundalk rating, so we'll work off that. On the turf, we might be climbing a bit." Sheridan was partnering his third career winner and his claim will be reduced to 7lb in future. Quotes by Michael Graham
