Stephen Thorne registered a 1-2 in Dundalk’s Floodlit Friday Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap today, led home by Hightimeyouwon (13/8f), as the rookie trainer also defeated his previous employer Ado McGuinness into 3rd and fourth places.
Top weight Hightimeyouwon, under Jack Kearney, was produced from rear to lead a furlong out and went clear to beat stablemate Volatile Analyst by 1.5 lengths, with the McGuinness-pair Heart Of Darkness and Exquisite Acclaim filling third and fourth.
Thorne stated “I actually wanted Jack (Kearney) to sit a little bit tighter, but he didn’t listen to me! We told Jack Cleary (on Volatile Analyst) to commit latest because he is a strong traveller but ended up being far too keen and raced handy: they went plenty quick up front.
“Jack (Kearney) was very cool on the winner, he took his time, rode the rail and I’m just delighted the way he has been riding the horses there recently. This horse knocks in one every year.”
He added “the same weekend I got engaged, this horse won and the weekend I got married he also won. We are due a baby this week so this horse means a fair bit to me!
“He’s nine and is not getting any younger, but I’m delighted he has won and for all the lads involved. I think there is another 0-95 coming up over seven or a mile.”