Luke McAteer© Photo Healy Racing
With wins during the week on Ivy Avenue (Gowran Wednesday), We’ll Go Again (Punchestown Thursday) and Verbal Fencing (Down Royal yesterday) Luke McAteer kept up the good work at Navan this afternoon aboard final race victor, Robin Des Sheikh
Trainer Paul Flynn had a second earlier in the day with Railway Muice at Wexford, but there was better luck for him here as Robin Des Sheikh (100/30) was soon in front in the Irish EBF Supporting Irish Champions Weekend Maiden, on the way to a two and a half length win over Dark Pine (11/4 favourite).
The front pair filled the first two positions in the betting.
“He had been running well. He disappointed in Gowran and we put it down to the ground but I treated him for ulcers and he's about 30 kilos heavier now than he was then so I'd say he was just sick,” said County Longford-based Flynn.
“He ran a great race the last day in Dundalk. I'm glad I ran him here because otherwise he would probably have had to traipse up there all winter.
“If we get a taker for him he'll be sold as myself, the brother and the cousins own him. If there is any money for him he'll be gone but if not we'll hang on to him.
“He has a great stride and Luke said he couldn't pull him up. There might be a three-year-old handicap somewhere for him.
“We're delighted. It wasn't the best maiden but he's won it well.”
(GC & EM)
