Fahey hits 50 to equal best
The win was not without incident, however, as Breaking Shadow’s rider Paul Hanagan caused interference when he moved off the far rails to throw down his challenge in the six-furlong Steve Nesbitt Challenge Trophy Nursery.
Once in the clear Fahey’s juvenile (4-1) stormed away to score by two and a half lengths from Zomerlust, who was well ahead of those racing on the stands side.
A stewards’ inquiry was quickly announced, but the result was allowed to stand. However, Hanagan was given a three-day careless riding ban, which will take effect on September 11, 12 and 13.
Fahey had been forced to close his operation for about a month in April due to an outbreak of equine herpes, but he has certainly made up for lost time and has recently enjoyed an incredible purple patch.
“That’s 50 winners, just like last year, and we’ve trained 23 this month - that’s some winners,” said Fahey. “I’d be happy with half that in September, but we’ll try and get another 23.
“We’ve been getting a bit of luck. We won three photo-finishes the other day. Our luck’s in.”
Sundance is set to be stepped up to Listed company for his next start after comfortably disposing of his seven rivals in the Sapper Conditions Stakes.
Jimmy Quinn always had Hugh Collingridge’s colt up with the pace on the outside before going on over a furlong out, and the 9-4 chance was not hard pressed to hold Bond City by a length.
Oceanico Dot Com made the most of her favoured high draw to register a runaway success in the Black Sheep Brewery Maiden Auction Stakes.
As soon as the stalls opened six of the 13 runners headed for the far side and Franny Norton always had Oceanico Dot Com, the 11-4 joint-favourite, in front of that group.
Alan Berry’s youngster stretched clear to score by four lengths from Bond Puccini, with Bond Babe, first home on the stands side, a length and a quarter back in third.
Fergal Lynch gave Familiar Affair a fine tactical ride to take the Green-tech Classic Premier Claiming Stakes.
He sent Bryan Smart’s lightly-raced three-year-old straight into the lead in the one-mile contest and set just a steady pace before gradually increasing the tempo from halfway.
Familiar Affair (9-1) soon had his rivals in trouble and had poached enough of an advantage to hold on by a length from Khanjar with Todlea, the 7-4 favourite, staying on from the rear to claim minor honours, a neck further away.
Stretton weaved his way through the pack to land a last-gasp success in the City Of Ripon Stakes.
