Griffiths delight as stable star Take Cover rallies for Listed victory

When veteran sprint star Take Cover wins, he usually makes all, but there was a twist to his victory in the Listed Al Basti Equiworld Mercury Stakes at Dundalk on Friday evening when he was headed in the closing stages only to rally back and record his fourth success as a ten-year-old.

Ridden by regular partner David Allan, the star of David Griffiths' stable shot into an early after breaking smartly, but looked to have little left as Hit The Bid forged ahead.

However, the 8-11 favourite responded gamely to Allan's urgings and got back up to win by a neck on a filthy night at Dundalk.

"He's had a cracking season," said Griffiths, who trains Take Cover for Norcroft Park Stud and has half an eye on a daring raid to Sha Tin for the Longines Hong Kong Sprint on December 10 for the son of Spingspiel, who was winning his 14th race on his 41st appearance.

"I was a bit worried when he was headed a furlong out, but it takes a good one to beat him when everything's right," added Griffiths, who is based not far from Doncaster.

"He battled back really well and it was well worth the trip over. He does tend to hang a bit to his right and the wind probably made it worse, he lost his balance a bit and the wind was strong enough. He could go to Hong Kong, but I would think he's finished for this season and with a bit of luck he'll come back next year as an 11-year-old."

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