Andesh and Pat Smullen© Photo Healy Racing
We had a winning favourite to start at Dundalk, and one for Pat Smullen (now 2 behind Colin Keane), as Andesh made it third time lucky in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C & G) Median Auction Maiden (Plus 10 Race).
Fitted with a tongue-strap for the first time, the Aga Khan's chestnut, trained by Michael Halford, made use of his experience and in the end defeated Man Power by a length and three parts.
The 5/4 victor had finished second at the Curragh and Killarney in August.
Smullen said afterwards: "He got through the line well that he'd get a mile, and I think this surface is a big factor to him. He's a very sound horse and the further he went there the stronger he got."
The Stewards interviewed M.C. Hussey, rider of Most Impressive concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned which included an admission that he had used the whip once in the forehand position in front of the saddle but did so as his mount was hanging and kept leaning to the left.
Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards took no further action in relation to the use of the whip but did caution him concerning his responsibility under Rule 213 to report anything that may have affected his mounts performance.
(AM & EM)
