Usa is ridden out by Daniel Redmond to beat Ringo Kid© Photo Healy Racing
Usa provided Daniel Redmond with a winner on his 22nd birthday, as he took the Tote Apprentice Handicap for Stephen Mahon.
Placed on his last two starts, the seven time winner was sent off at 4/1 this evening.
Settled behind the leaders he was third halfway, and was ridden into second a furlong and a half from home.
The ten-year-old gelding soon came with his challenge, and hit the front inside the final 150 yards, going on to score by a length and three parts.
The front-running Ringo Kid (10/1) finished second under Gary Halpin for Joe Murphy, while Greanta (12s to 10s) was a neck back in third with Tom Madden aboard for Tom Cleary. Whats The Plot was the 9/4 favourite and he finished a disappointing sixth.
There was nasty incident with just under a circuit to race, as Grandma Dotty slipped up and brought down Mallory Heights
Ross Coakley was aboard Grandma Dotty and he was briefly unconscious. He soon came to, and was sent to University Hospital Galway to be checked over.
"I have my missus Emma to thank for that. He was meant to be in the mile and one race (the 7.05)," said Mahon.
"He's ten now though and he's matured with age - he's more settled.
"I told the jockey going out that he was on the best horse and it worked out well.
"He'll go to Galway now for a mile two handicap."
Redmond added: "He loves it around here. He is likely to jump out of the stalls in his own time so I had that in my mind going out.
"He jumped out sharp today and they went handy. I wasn't going to disappoint him and take him back.
"I never felt under pressure with him at any stage. He quickened up well turning into the straight and hit the line well. Hopefully that will open the door for a few rides at Galway."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards enquired into an incident past the stands with a circuit to run involving Repare Mon ridden by S.P. Davis, Whats The Plot, ridden by K.J. Leonard and Mallory Heights, ridden by D.W. O'Connor, where Grandma Dotty, ridden by R.P.Coakley, fell and brought down Mallory Heights.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned with the exception of R.P.Coakley who was injured and unable to attent the enquiry. S.P.Davis stated that he was clear of the incident and directly in front of the faller but did not feel anything. D.W.O'Connor stated that the pace of the race slowed and Grandma Dotty commenced to run freely and consequently clipped heels.
K.J.Leonard concurred with this evidence. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were unable to conclude the enquiry in R.P. Coakley's absence and therefore referred the matter to the Chief Executive of the Turf Club for further investigation.
Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
