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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Layfayette too classy for Limerick Listed rivals

Fri 23rd Jun 2023, 19:54

Layfayette (pink) is about to strike the front Layfayette (pink) is about to strike the front
© Photo Healy Racing

Having run creditably in pattern company on four previous starts this season, the 15/8 favourite Layfayette capitalised on a drop in class to land the Tally Ho Irish EBF Martin Molony Stakes.

Dropped out in rear by Seamie Heffernan, doubling up for the evening after Farnborough he was produced widest of all in the straight and avoided the loose and wandering Shanroe to beat Term Of Endearment by three parts of a length.

This Listed success was a fifth victory at stakes level for the former Group 2 winner, trained for Mrs Patricia Hunt by Noel Meade.

Heffernan said: "I spoke to Colin (Keane, regular jockey) and Noel (Meade) was very complimentary of the horse's well-being. He said to relax, come wide and he should be good enough to win and he was spot on.

"I had them covered every step of the way - from the time I left the gates I was a winner although coming to the line I wasn't sure what the loose horse would do.

"He is old, enthusiastic, moves well, is fit and wants to win which is a big help."

He added "I'm delighted to win another stakes race. You need the owners and trainers pointing their fingers at you and saying 'he'll do me' and if you don't have their support, rides dry up.

"I'm very lucky to have a very good job and have a chance of riding very good horses every day of the week. As long as I'm fit and healthy I'll keep doing my hobby, which is race riding.

"My last winner for Noel was a good while ago (December 2011) and hopefully the big wheel has gone around and I'm back in the hat for good rides."

Quotes from Tom Weekes

About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.