ishebayorgrey, blue cap on left, delivers his challenge in Dundalk© Photo Healy Racing
Ishebayorgrey found plenty for Kevin Manning as he surged home to land the spoils in Dundalk's seven furlong rated race.
The four-year-old grey gelding was ridden to challenge outside the furlong marker and improved to get on terms with Marise inside the final furlong.
Manning, in the drive position, kept urging his mount for more and Ishebayorgrey gamely responded as he grabbed a narrow advantage with a half a furlong to travel.
This was maintained all the way to the line as the 10/1 shot flashed home by a neck from 5/2 favourite Marise and Seamie Heffernan (from a morning price of 5/1). Poetic Choice (3/1) was a length adrift in third under Robbie Downey.
“I don't think I've ever had a winner at the first meeting of the year before. It's nice to get one so early and it takes the pressure off a bit,” handler Pat Martin said.
“Kevin rode a winner for Raymond (Moore) on Lucky Spring at Sligo in 2007 and we were delighted to be able to use him tonight.
“He gave him a smashing ride and timed it to perfection. He said seven seemed his ideal trip and that he travelled well and picked up well.
“The horse likes it here and we thought he was in good old form. He'll come back here.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
