Oxx adds to superb Tramore record with double
Visibility was quite poor in the back straight for much of the evening as a sea mist rolled in but Missy O' Gwaun, available at 7/1 in the morning and backed into 9/2 at the off, emerged in front down in the dip. The daughter of King's Best, out of a Sadler's Wells mare, kept on strongly in the final furlong to beat 20/1 shot Llew Law by three and a half lengths.
“She's been promising in her home work but has been plain disappointing on the track. She was a suitable candidate for this track and handled it well. It's nice to get a win for her as she's a well-bred filly, and she'll go to the Newmarket Sales in December. She may have another run,” said Oxx.
Haleniya didn't quite have things all her own way in the Tramore Races On Facebook Maiden as the Aga Khan's filly just held off the challenge of Templeton (7/1) by a short-head.
“This is my lucky track, I even get photo-finish verdicts! I didn't know what to expect today as she ran well on her first start at Gowran but very moderate next time at Down Royal. She did it well when challenged and it might be her last run.
“It's about 20 years since I've been here. I'm doing a tour of the country as the roads have improved!” quipped Oxx, who made a surprise visit to Sligo recently where he also saddled a winner. The Currabeg trainer has a formidable record at this unique venue over the past four years, with 14 winners from just 23 runners.
However the riding of Billy Lee on Templeton attracted the attention of the stewards, who felt he could have been more vigorous in the finish and they referred the matter on to the Keeper Of the Matchbook in the Turf Club for further investigation.
In his evidence to the stewards Lee said that he cajoled his mount in the latter stages without resorting to his whip as the horse had a tendency to lean outwards under pressure. He concluded that in hindsight he should have used his whip a bit sooner.
The gelding's trainer Ken Condon reported that the horse has a tendency to bleed, and that he was satisfied the rider carried out his instructions but was of the opinion that the whip should have been used a bit earlier. After viewing a video of the race and hearing the evidence, the stewards decided to refer the matter onwards.
