Ballyphilip and Noel McParlan© Photo Healy Racing
The Fermanagh Harriers raced at Necarne on Friday and Saturday. It was quick to see a winner from that fixture bounce out again but Ballyphilip (6s into 9/2) found the fast turnaround no problem in the C&C White Maiden Hunters Chase at Down Royal today.
The Presenting gelding accounted for one other finisher at Necarne on Saturday, and the exertions of that were obviously taken in his stride as Caroline McCaldin's charge made it six on the bounce all told, again in the hands of Noel McParlan.
Favourite Focus Point finished second in this event a year ago, behind another McCaldin inmate, Ballydesmond. On this occasion though he couldn't raise his effort when it mattered and had to settle for sixth place.
It was left to a pair of Stuart Crawford runners to give Ballyphilip most to do, Drumnasoo and Bold Fury chasing home at distances of two and a quarter lengths and two and a half lengths.
"That is six (in a row) now as he won in Necarne on Saturday. He'll go to the field now, he has done enough now," reflected Mrs McCaldin in the aftermath.
"He's some boy!
"I didn't want to run him today because it was a short turnaround from Saturday.
"We have been having a good time in point-to-points - nothing has changed, maybe a better calibre of horse. Long may it last!"
The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr J.P. Sutton, rider of Cousin Zeleznik concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, Mr. J.P. Sutton accepted he was in breach of the Whip Regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Mr. J.P. Sutton was in breach of R.10.3(g)(frequency) and R.10.3(b)(hitting their mount when out of contention). Having taken his previous record into account the Raceday Stewards suspended Mr. J.P. Sutton for five racedays.
Mr D.G. Lavery, rider of John The Spark (GB), trained by Ian Patrick Donoghue, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel. This was subsequently confirmed by the IHRB Veterinary Officer.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Focus Point, trained by T.E.Hyde, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr. H.C. Swan, rider of Ballymoney in relation to his failure to pull up his mount. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Mr. H.C. Swan stated that his mount has a tendency to jam on before his fences and at the second last fence he meets it wrong but stated that he felt he had a full horse underneath him. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Mr. H.C. Swan was in breach of Rule 216(ii)(b) and having taken his previous record into account they suspended him for two racedays. This enquiry followed a report from the IHRB Veterinary Officer to the Raceday Stewards concerning the circumstances surrounding the incident.
(MG & EM)
