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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Christmas comes early for Halford with Cash

Wed 15th Nov 2023, 14:25

Cash Collector and Ronan WhelanCash Collector and Ronan Whelan
© Photo Healy Racing

Cash Collector burst through in the closing stages to make a winning debut in the opening median auction maiden at Dundalk this afternoon, for Michael Halford and Tracey Collins.

The Make Believe gelding went to post a 12/1 shot on his racecourse bow and was pushed along in mid-division turning for home in the seven-furlong heat.

Ronan Whelan 's mount stayed on to close going to the furlong marker and avoided the wayward Tiger King who was running around while disputing at that stage.

The well-backed Step It Out (5/2 favourite) gained a narrow advantage inside the final furlong but couldn't hold the strong challenge of Cash Collector, who led in the final 100 yards for a length win.

Halford said: "I was delighted with him there.

"He's a horse that I said, even before the race, we liked him. Just, we wouldn't have had a terrible lot done with him but I would expect him to improve nicely for it.

"Looking at him at home, I'd say he would step up to a mile.

"He's got a good mind and a very straightforward horse to train.

"I own him myself and as the fella says, he'd be on the market. Santa is coming!"

(Quotes by Michael Graham)

1st
12/1
Tote €13.00 €3.70
2nd
1L
5/2Fav
€1.40
3rd
0.75L
7/2
€1.60
4th
shd
11/2
About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.