Quiet Company (far-side) just edges it at Dundalk under Wayne Lordan© Photo Healy Racing
In the Group 1 winning colours of Quiet Reflection, Quiet Company sprung a 33/1 surprise under Wayne Lordan in split one of the Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap.
Lordan sported the yellow and white of the Ontoawinner Syndicate, and in a blanket finish he got Adrian Keatley's 44-rated runner home by a nose and a short head from Compatriot and Shelbe
"It was a nice surprise after the week we've had," explained Keatley.
"A horse that we thought was a certainty on Tuesday buried her jockey coming out and we had ten horses that like soft ground go to Ayr and they are stuck on the docks in Stranraer trying to get them home. I've one of them declared on Sunday.
"Mo Henry was a little unlucky earlier on from a bad draw.
"This fella wasn't showing us much at home and it might be a case that he might just be getting a little bit stronger with a bit of age.
"Whether that was his Derby or not I don't know but he got the job done today and I'm delighted for the syndicate who are very loyal to me.
"I'm the only trainer they are with in Ireland and I hope it stays that way! We bought them a nice horse the other day and that's my second winner for them.
"He'll go back for something like this again. He won off 44 there and if he wins another 45-65 we'll be happy. We've no big plans — we won't be going to Arc weekend with him!"
The Stewards requested a report from Adrian Paul Keatley, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Quiet Company (GB), placed first, as compared with its recent form.
The trainer reported that his charge seemed to benefit from a drop back in trip and was also suited by a fast early pace which allowed his charge time to settle early on.
Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
(GC & EM)
