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Dance Emperor rules under Ewing

Dance Emperor strikes the frontDance Emperor strikes the front
© Photo Healy Racing

Peter Fahey's Dance Emperor skated past Jarlath Fahey's Divine Celt to land the first division of the mile and two furlong handicap in Navan.

The brothers dominated the finish of this race as 7/2 joint favourite Divine Celt led into the final furlong from the other 7/2 joint favourite, Dance Emperor, who was beginning to wind up his challenge under Sam Ewing.

The latter stormed to the front in the final 100 yards and bounded in by an ever increasing four and a quarter lengths. Lady Leanora (8/1) was another three parts of a length back in third with Chacha Dancer fourth at 14/1.

Ewing said: “They went a nice gallop today and good draw helped him as he was able to travel.

“The race kind of fell apart in front of us. We got a great run around and it's good to get another win out of him.

“It's taken a bit of time for him to come right so fair play to the lads.”

The Stewards requested a report from Peter Fahey, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Dance Emperor, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Peter Fahey reported that his charge usually gets upset in stalls, and on his last run in Leopardstown was drawn wide and didn't break. On this occasion, a hood was applied to his charge on entering stalls and was removed as late as possible. In his opinion, this helped to bring about an improvement in form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered. The Stewards did, however, fine Peter Fahey €130 for failing to nominate an authorised representative at this meeting.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
7/2JFav
Tote €5.50 €1.60
2nd
4.25L
7/2JFav
€1.20
3rd
0.75L
8/1
€1.30
4th
2L
14/1
€3.90
About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.