Gamble pays off as Shine On Sam stars on debut while Holohan and Power add to Laois success story

LAOIS racing enjoyed another productive week on the track with notable victories recorded by Mark Quigley, Reese Holohan and Eddie Power, ensuring the county's representatives remained firmly in the spotlight at meetings in Wexford, Dundalk and Clonmel.

The standout local success came at Wexford where Ballacolla trainer Mark Quigley struck with the previously unraced Shine On Sam in the concluding bumper.

The mare's victory was all the more noteworthy given the strength of market support behind her. Available at odds of 25-1 and bigger when betting first opened, Shine On Sam was the subject of sustained support throughout the day and eventually went to post at 8-1. Those who followed the market move were rewarded as she produced a brave and determined display to make a winning debut.

Ridden by Adam Ryan, Shine On Sam travelled strongly before becoming involved in a prolonged battle with the odds-on favourite Hartford. The pair fought out a gripping finish up the Wexford straight, with Quigley's representative showing tremendous determination to get her head in front where it mattered most and prevail by a short head.

The victory continued a fruitful association between Quigley and Ryan. It was the third bumper winner the Killenaule jockey has partnered for the Ballacolla handler within the last twelve months, highlighting a combination that has become increasingly effective on the racecourse.

Adding further significance to the success was the fact that Shine On Sam is owned and bred by Evelyn Casserly, making it a particularly satisfying result for connections. To see a homebred make a winning racecourse debut is always special and there was no shortage of delight among the winning team following the race.

While Quigley was celebrating at Wexford, Mountrath apprentice Reese Holohan continued his excellent season with another winner at Dundalk on Wednesday evening.

Holohan partnered Apache Outlaw in the opening claimer and produced a polished ride aboard the Ado McGuinness-trained favourite. Sent off at 11-10, Apache Outlaw justified his position at the head of the market, responding willingly to his rider's urgings in the closing stages to defeat stable companion Go Athletico by three-quarters of a length.

The result completed a one-two for the McGuinness yard and provided Holohan with yet another winner in what has been a breakthrough season for the talented Laois rider.

The success was quickly followed by further good news. The following day it was announced that Holohan had been nominated for the Emerging Talent Award at next month's HRI Awards in Dublin. The nomination comes as recognition of a remarkable campaign in which the young jockey has consistently impressed with both his riding ability and professionalism. While still early in his career, Holohan continues to establish himself as one of the most promising young riders in the country.

Another local trainer celebrating success was Ballylynan-based Eddie Power, whose consistent performer Rokanako finally earned a deserved first career victory at Clonmel.

Having finished in the first three on four occasions from his previous five starts, Rokanako brought a solid level of form into the auction maiden hurdle and was strongly fancied by punters, going off the 11-10 favourite.

The gelding did not enjoy a completely trouble-free passage, making the occasional jumping error along the way, but his ability was never in serious doubt. Jockey Michael Kenneally kept him in a good rhythm throughout and when the race began in earnest approaching the final flight, Rokanako asserted his superiority.

Drawing clear after the last, he powered to the line to record an emphatic success by more than three lengths. The victory was thoroughly deserved after several promising efforts and provided a welcome reward for owner Sean Dalton, whose patience was finally rewarded.

Taken together, the victories of Shine On Sam, Apache Outlaw and Rokanako ensured another memorable week for Laois racing, with trainers, jockeys and owners from across the county continuing to make their presence felt on some of the country's biggest racing stages.