The stewards have been under the microscope after a number of enquiry's in recent weeks, and they were again called into action when Ransboro was awarded the two and a half miles maiden hurdle.
Charlie Swan's charge was just headed by Coast To Coast when that rival edged right between the final two flights. David Casey was forced to snatch up and switch off the far rail to mount a renewed challenge which only failed by a short-head. Coast To Coast's rider Barry Geraghty was adjudged to have ridden carelessly, and was suspended for two days (February 28 & 29).
'I thought he would get the race as he stayed on well to be beaten only a short-head. He's probably a chaser in the making, and we'll try to win another hurdle with him,' said Swan.
Native Jack will attempt a repeat win in the 40,000 euro FBD Insurance Handicap Chase at Cork next month after successfully reverting to hurdles in the two and a half miles winners race. The ten-year-old made all under Conor O'Dwyer, and quickly stretched clear from two out to beat Lasquini Du Moulin by a comfortable nine lengths.
'This was a lovely opportunity for him as he was well in at the weights. He jumped super, and will go back to Cork on March 14 for the handicap chase he won last year,' said Arthur Moore.
Michael O'Brien saddled a 1-2 in the opening juvenile maiden hurdle, with Essex making a successful jumping debut in the hands of Davy Russell. The former Michael Stoute-trained Sadler's Wells gelding led after two out, and was driven right out to hold his stablemate Flavian Dynasty by half a length.
'He cost 460,000 as a yearling but looks a bargain now as the boys (B.P.S. Syndicate) paid only 8,000 for him last autumn. I thought he might just need the race, and he will appreciate even better ground,' said O'Brien, who added, 'Flavian Dynasty was a bit squeezed for room in the straight and may have won with a clear run.'
Francis Flood senior and junior teamed up to land the handicap hurdle with the well-backed Danse Macabre (9/2 to 7/2), who needed to be kept right up to his work to beat Just Riva by three and a half lengths.
Alan Magee
