Lost Book (Robbie Colgan) clears the last from Benalex Park© Photo Healy Racing
Robbie Colgan got a good tune out of Lost Book as the Oscar mare got off the mark on start number thirteen in the McHale F5500 Baler Handicap Hurdle at Ballinrobe.
The 9/1 chance got a patient ride and arrived up behind the leaders travelling well from two out.
Once in the clear the Tom Quinn-owned and Stephen Mahon-trained six-year-old went away to score, despite not being fluent at the last, from Siobhans Belle (Jonathan Burke's first mount as a professional) by four lengths.
Mahon explained: "She's been a bit of an unlucky mare. I fancied her the first night she ran here in a bumper, Peter Casey rode her and she ran awful free that night.
"I ran her again the night after, out of thickness, and she came in gurgling her head off and she had a palate job done then.
"She ran well here on her second last start and I was bullish enough about her at Fairyhouse then. She was too keen there and she just needs things to fall right.
"I told Robbie to ride her like a non-trier out the back and that it was either going to happen for her or not but to get her asleep.
"Tom (Quinn) is local (Ballinderreen) so it (Ballinrobe) suits us now."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards enquired into an incident after the third last hurdle involving Garbally Grey ridden by S.D. Bohan, unplaced, Hilden (GB), ridden by D.J. Condon, unplaced and Siobhans Belle, ridden by J.J. Burke, placed second, where it appeared Siobhans Belle ran short of room when racing on the inside. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the incident was caused by D.J. Condon riding carelessly and consequently suspended him for 1 raceday.
The Stewards requested a report from S.J.Mahon, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Lost Book, placed first, as compared with her recent run. S.J. Mahon reported that his charge previously ran at Fairyhouse 6th May where she was impeded at the first hurdle and became lit up resulting in her running too freely and emptying quickly. Today R.C. Colgan, rider, dropped her in and got her to settle before letting her creep into the race gradually. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report (DM & EM)
