Krujers Girl (on rail) fights out the finish with The Great White © Photo Healy Racing
After the earlier water protest by stable staff, there was more drama at sunny Kilbeggan after the 0-116 rated handicap chase.
The final fence was omitted due to the low-lying sun and plenty of runners were still in with a chance as they rounded the bypassed obstacle. There was precious little racing room available and both Dontdooddson and Krujers Girl were impeded as the final furlong approached. In the closing stages the latter and The Great White did battle with the Conor Maxwell-ridden grey passing the post a head in front.
An enquiry was called and the runners were at the post for the final race of the evening when it was a announced that the placings of the first two home had been reversed. A difficult call for the stewards, one would have to say, and a strong case could have been made for either outcome.
Ten-year-old Krujers Girl, trained by Thomas Coyle and ridden by Conor Orr, was racing for the first time in just over a year. Having initially been trained in Ireland, she won twice in Britain last year for Johnny Farrelly.
Speaking before the result of the stewards' enquiry was known, The Great White's trainer Dermot McLoughlin said: “I thought he (Maxwell) kept him on a straight line as best as he could.
“He’s a grand horse but can be very unhealthy and has had a few issues. We’ve tried to iron them out but he looked well today and I was quietly confident.
“He’s back in his grade and is such a good jumper. If there was an extra fence to jump it would have been better."
Quotes from Alan Magee
STEWARDS' REPORT
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Owing to low-lying sun, the Stewards granted permission for fence #1 (last) to be omitted from this race.
The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving The Great White, ridden by C.D. Maxwell, placed first, Dontdooddson (FR), ridden by R. Deegan, placed fifth, and Krujers Girl, ridden by C.J. Orr, placed second, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. R. Deegan stated that he got interference from his outer and checked at the dolls where he got tight but he felt his horse had run its race. C.J. Orr stated that he was always half a length down and shouted looking for a bit of space at the dolls. C.D. Maxwell stated that he was half a length up and aimed for a direct line inside the fence, he felt headed and his horse battled back. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that The Great White had caused interference to Krujers Girl and as a result of this interference had improved its finishing position. As a consequence, the Stewards reversed the placings of the first two horses and amended the result to read as follows:
Amended Result:
First: Krujers Girl
Second: The Great White
Third: Duchess Ravenswaves (GB)
