We Never Stop (14/1) edged out Run Boy Run (7/1) in a photo finish as the duo dominated a classy field in the BetUK All-Weather Sprint Handicap.
In a contest where it paid to be up with the pace, We Never Stop was quickly into his stride from stall two, with Shane Gray able to tack over towards the stands’ side to settle in a close second behind Run Boy Run.
The front two went clear a furlong and a half from home, with We Never Stop opening up a slender advantage entering the final furlong. Run Boy Run rallied strongly in the closing strides, with the Kevin Ryan-trained We Never Stop clinging on by a head.
Top-weight Marshman (3/1F), who was bidding to defy a mark of 110, ran an admirable race to go down by a length and a quarter in third.
Gray said: “We Never Stop did not have the best of draws from stall two, but he has such a high cruising speed that I was able to get him up there, keep him away from horses, and he was nice and relaxed.
“For the first half of the race, I was able to move up to the eventual second and it was a good battle between them. I am glad he came out on top.
“There is a tail wind now, but the key to him is the first half of the race and getting him switched off. He got into a nice rhythm and, after that, is very genuine. He is a grand horse.”
George Wood, rider of Run Boy Run, said: “He ran a cracker. He ran well in the trial race here and has put up another career best. I think there is a big race in him.”
Marshman’s jockey said Clifford Lee: “He has run a blinder. It felt like they probably had it easier in front and, with the wind behind us, my lad was carrying a lot of weight. He still ran really well.”
3.35pm BetUK All-Weather Sprint Handicap
1 We Never Stop (B T McDonald) Kevin Ryan 4-8-11 Shane Gray 14/1
2 Run Boy Run (Phil Cunningham) Richard Spencer 4-8-08 George Wood 7/1
3 Marshman (Nick Bradley Racing 2 & Elaine Burke) Karl Burke 5-9-12 Clifford Lee 3/1F
14 ran
Kevin Ryan – 1st Finals Day winner
Shane Gray – 1st Finals Day winner
