Irish challenger Captain Joy narrowly outpointed fellow grey Sovereign Debt in the Ladbrokes All-Weather Mile Championships Conditions Stakes at Lingfield.
A close third in last year’s renewal for trainer Tracey Collins, Captain Joy was an 11-1 shot to go a couple of places better, having returned from a lengthy absence with victory at Dundalk last month.
A smart start allowed Pat Smullen to acquire a handy position and he tracked 2014 winner Captain Cat for much of the one-mile journey.
The pair kicked on rounding the home turn, but while Captain Cat faltered, Captain Joy stuck to his guns admirably.
Sovereign Debt got a dream run up to the fence on the far side of the track and mounted a strong challenge, but Smullen’s mount was always doing enough and held him at bay by half a length, meaning David NIcholls’ charge was runner-up for the second successive year.
Favourite Mindurownbusiness had every chance and was only a length further back in third.
Smullen said: “He’s a lovely horse. He’s a very good horse on the turf but he’s a real all-weather horse. This surface brings the best out of him.
“He tries very hard and it’s a great training performance by Tracey to get him back from near death. He had surgery after having colic.
“Tracey has been very patient with him and got him qualified.
“This horse dig deeps for you.”
On the first day of the Flat Season March 20th 2016, we hosted an open morning in conjunction with Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. Over 80 people gathered in Conyngham Lodge stables to view all our facilities and were introduced to some of the horses we have in for the season. The open morning began with an interview with Tracey where we viewed the horses that were to be exercised before heading across to the Curragh gallops to watch them in action. Tracey’s two vets Tom and Turlough were on hand to dispense some really interesting veterinary information and Dave Kenna was the MC for the morning asking all the pertinent questions. Tracey Collins Racing would like to thank ITM, Dave, Tom, Turlough and all their staff for all their help and assistance to make it a very memorable morning. A sincere word of thanks to all who attended including many of our current owners and our recently elected Ceann Comhairle Sean O’Fearghail, we hope you enjoyed it.
Captain Joy heads off to Lingfield Park Racecourse today. Fingers Crossed!!!
