RACING/Ripon report: Richard Fahey's hot streak continued at Ripon yesterday when Breaking Shadow's victory gave the Malton trainer his 50th success of the season, equalling his previous best total achieved last year.
The win was not without incident, however, as Breaking Shadow's rider Paul Hanagan caused interference when he moved off the far rails to throw down his challenge in the six-furlong Steve Nesbitt Challenge Trophy Nursery.
Once in the clear Fahey's juvenile (4 to 1) stormed away to score by two and a half lengths from Zomerlust, who was well ahead of those racing on the stands side.
A stewards' inquiry was quickly announced, but the result was allowed to stand. However, Hanagan was given a three-day careless riding ban, which will take effect on September 11th, 12th and 13th.
Fahey had been forced to close his operation for about a month in April due to an outbreak of equine herpes, but he has certainly made up for lost time and has recently enjoyed an incredible purple patch.
"That's 50 winners, just like last year, and we've trained 23 this month - that's some winners," said Fahey. "I'd be happy with half that in September, but we'll try and get another 23. We've been getting a bit of luck. We won three photo-finishes the other day. Our luck's in."
Sundance is set to be stepped up to Listed company for his next start after comfortably disposing of his seven rivals in the Sapper Conditions Stakes.
Jimmy Quinn always had Hugh Collingridge's colt up with the pace on the outside before going on over a furlong out, and the 9 to 4 chance was not hard pressed to hold Bond City by a length.
"He's a grand horse, but Jimmy said he was taking the mickey in the last furlong. He said he was looking at everything," said Collingridge.
"We paid 30,000 guineas for him at the Doncaster Breeze-Up Sale. We'll probably go to Ayr with him for the Harry Roseberry, depending on the ground. He just slaps the ground and he wants a bit of cut. Just like this would be ideal."
Sundance had won on his debut at Windsor before finishing second on the all-weather at Lingfield last time. Fergal Lynch gave Familiar Affair a fine tactical ride to win the Green-tech Classic Premier Claiming Stakes.
