Nordic Passage and Donagh O'Connor combine for a stylish success at Naas© Photo Healy Racing
Joint top-weight Nordic Passage (16s into 14s) had no problem defying his near ten stone burden in the Clinton Higgins Chartered Accountants Handicap (Div I) at Naas.
Victorious on the all-weather at Kempton and Dundalk in the past, Johnny Levins’ runner didn’t need the assistance of jockey Donagh O’Connor’s three pound allowance at all, given that he scooted in by three and three parts of a length.
Levins also saddled the third home, Eleuthera whilst favourite Gee Rex finished a disappointing eighth.
“He carried me through the race beautifully and I hit the front too soon but I got carried there. He’s a horse with loads of ability and has his problems,” said Donagh O’Connor.
“The last day in Dundalk he was too free with me and we said we’d step back in distance. He floated on the ground and he only had one race before on grass.
“He’s unexposed on the turf and we are really looking forward to him now.
“All the procedures here at the racecourse are going very smooth and it’s all working perfectly. We are just delighted to be back and long may it last.”
James J. Doyle, rider of Lincoln trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran short of room but was going backwards quickly at the time.
(AM & EM)
