Jered Maddox (8/1) notched up his 10th career victory with a narrow win in the Download The New Tote App Handicap at Laytown this evening.
The David Marnane-trained eight-year-old, who had a dominant win over this course and distance last year, had been off form during the summer and went off at 8/1 today.
Settled at the back early on under Luke McAteer, who was celebrating his first win at this seaside track, the Lawman gelding made headway on the outside with over two furlongs remaining. He challenged strongly in the final furlong, taking a share of the lead and finishing best to win by a short head.
Not Forgotten, also priced at 8/1 and ridden by Ronan Whelan, finished second, while the 50/1 outsider Revenite was a further two lengths behind in third.
Dream Ahead, the 7/2 favourite seeking his third win at Laytown, faded towards the finish and ended up last in the six-furlong race.
Marnane commented, "Jered Maddox clearly loves this track; some horses just thrive here, and he’s one of them. He won easily here last year but had been struggling since, though the handicapper has given him a fair chance now by dropping him down."
He continued, "His last run was disappointing, but his third-last effort in Dundalk was strong. I’m pleased for Luke and the City Equine II Syndicate. Jered Maddox is a great servant, winning two or three races each year."
"We usually have younger horses, so it's great to have one like him for Laytown. He’s been racing all summer, so I might give him a break and target the winter races in Dundalk."