Geological spearheads a profitable double and first win for Hamilton
HORSE RACING
GEOLOGICAL’S victory in the Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Awards 2016 Handicap was the highlight of a Dundalk double for Damian English.
The four-year-old was 4lb out of the handicap, although that was negated by Michelle Hamilton’s 10lb claim, and this was a first victory for the jockey.
The 8-1 chance had plenty of challengers in the closing stages but kept going gamely for Hamilton and flashed past the post with a length in hand of Shepherd’s Purse.
English’s brace began when Dance Alone ran out a determined winner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Race & Stay Apprentice Handicap.
Donagh O’Connor was hard at work on the front end for the last couple of furlongs on the 6-1 shot, who responded to all of his urgings to fend off Roachdale House by half a length.
Alfredo Arcano (2-1 joint-favourite) gained his revenge on last-start conqueror Duplication in the Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Race.
David Marnane’s gelding was pipped by his Joseph O’Brien- trained rival a fortnight ago but was better off at the weights and that told as he held Duplication a neck at bay.
Ellaria and Pure Action were another pair to renew rivalries, this time in the Happy Christmas From All At Dundalk Stadium Maiden, and they dominated the market.
Ellaria, the 11-8 favourite looked likely to coast home when hitting the front just inside the final quarter-mile, but she didn’t go through with her effort and faded to finish a four-and-a-half-length runner-up behind Daybreak Boy (7-1).
There was a thrilling three-way finish to the Irishinjuredjockeys. com Handicap and Chosen Rock (12-1) had his head down where it mattered, pipping Mo Henry by a short head, with half a length back to Red All Star.
Cresendo (5-2 favourite) registered a deserved first success in the www.dundalkstadium.com Handicap (Div 1), while 4-1 joint-favourite Easy Boy took division two.
Last floodlit Friday night of 2016 takes place on Friday 23rd December with 4.30PM start.