'Fish' scales the heights as beach party gets into full swing at Laytown

Monday: Laytown

Laytown's famous beach meeting had the feel of an old-fashioned Irish wedding, one that had been postponed more than once because of Covid but eventually got the green light.

The guests may not have been ecstatic over a November 1 date but, although it was hardly bucket-and-spade weather for the big day, all was forgotten by the time El Padre won the opening 6f handicap.

The fact the Guinness was flowing freely by that stage was a huge help and Sean Flanagan, best known for his exploits over jumps, earned himself a pint or two for driving home Adrian Murray’s winner in the opener.

“I didn’t look too agricultural in the finish,” Flanagan joked, as he and Murray watched the replay in the winner’s enclosure.

Murray, for whom victory came with his debut entry at the track, said: “I’ve been here before but this lad is my first ever runner and he’ll likely go to Dundalk now."

It was fitting that the man they call 'Fish' in the weighing room played a starring role on the day. Partnering Hell Left Loose to victory in the 6f handicap for Denis Hogan, Mark Enright completed the rare achievement of riding a winner at every Irish racecourse.

“That's a big one for me as I've now ridden a winner at every track in Ireland now,” Enright said. “I was absolutely disgusted the other morning as I had no ride here. In fairness to Denis, I forced him into it, but he gave me the spin.

“I'm delighted. It's only a small thing but a big thing for me as it's something I wanted to do, so it's important.”

Dermot Weld: Laytown's leading trainer won with ThaleeqCredit: Patrick McCann

Dermot Weld cemented his status as the leading trainer currently holding a licence at the track when Thaleeq made it 15th time lucky in the 7f maiden under Dylan Browne McMonagle.

The following claimer provided a little more drama. The only race in the calendar in which every horse can be yours for just about the price of a wedding ring (€5,000), Able Jack got going late to get up and win for trainer Ger O'Leary and rider Joey Sheridan.

Gordon Elliott had plenty to smile about after Oh Purple Reign, one of five horses the trainer brought to the beach, came from off the pace to take the 7f handicap under Jamie Codd.

Gordon Elliott: “He has loads of ability'Credit: Edward Whitaker

Oh Purple Reign was a fitting winner given one of the principal owners of the Go Go Syndicate, Shane Grant, is also on the committee at Laytown. The horse also added to his value ahead of the horses-in-training sale.

Elliott said: “He has loads of ability and is in the sales on Thursday, so that was nice. Shane is here, so I’m delighted for him. Kieran McManus, Brian O’Leary, Ian Murphy and all the lads are involved in the syndicate and they’ve gotten plenty of craic out of him.”

He added: “It’s actually Brian’s birthday today, so I’d say he’ll enjoy that. Laytown has been a lucky place for us through the years and it’s always great to have a winner here.”

One nearly became two for Elliott and Codd, but the pair had to settle for second with Raamez, who was out-battled by the front-running Limit Long, scoring for trainer Darren Bunyan and rider Finny Maguire.

In the winner’s enclosure Limit Long almost headbutted Maguire but the amateur jockey escaped the worst of any contact as darkness descended on the beach.

“That was close,” Maguire said. “It was just grazing, thankfully" before adding: "When I pulled up the lads told me it felt like I was going a million miles an hour up front. When Jamie got to my quarters, I thought it was all over, but Limit Long pulled out a bit more when it mattered.”

Results, replays and analysis

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