DUNDALK has become a happy hunting ground for Stephen Thorne since he took out his training licence in the autumn, and he saddled his second double at the Co Louth venue courtesy of Shoot To Kill and Perfect Judgement.

A change of tactics saw Shoot To Kill held up in mid-division in the Dundalk Stadium Champion Trainer and Jockey Awards 2024 Handicap. The seven-year-old gelding stayed on well for Jack Kearney to take over inside the final 100 yards. He was kept up to his work to win by half a length at 11/2 for Shamrock Thoroughbreds.

Thorne said: “We left it (tactics) up to Jack depending on what way he breaks and ride him accordingly. He used his head and gave him a brilliant ride. Probably one of the first nights that he has been dropped in.”

Perfect double

Jamie Powell did the steering on Thorne’s Perfect Judgement in the Botanica International Apprentice Rated Race over a mile.

The 6/1 shot was another produced from off the pace as he moved into a threatening position outside the final furlong. He finished off best of all to lead in the final 50 yards and hit the line with half a length in hand for Shamrock Thoroughbreds.

Thorne said: “He showed a turn of foot from the back of the field, but probably a race where it set up nicely for him. There was a bit of a pace collapse inside the final furlong and it suited him perfectly.”

Galvanised

Sharkii’s late surge was rewarded in the Happy Christmas From All At Dundalk Stadium Maiden over six furlongs.

The 6/4 favourite was under pressure in fourth a furlong out, however, Colin Keane galvanised him and he really found his stride to get up by a neck close home for trainer Diego Dias and Mark Daniel Racing Limited.

Keane said: “I’d say he actually feels like a horse that could actually end up going further. Maybe he is after relaxing with racing. He felt like a horse who needed every yard of the six and would have no problem going seven.”

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