Left to right - Ongenstown Lad (winner), Divine Rhapsody, Slygufftou and Kylecrue© Photo Healy Racing
Ongenstown Lad looked very promising earlier in his career, but injury has seen him sidelined on different occasions for 505, 580 and 564 days respectively. Connections were rewarded for their perseverance as the Bach eleven-year-old recorded his first win since 2011 when narrowly landing the spoils in the Devon Inn Hotel Handicap Hurdle at Listowel.
Gillian Callaghan's charge, a 20/1 shot, came out on top in the three miler, by a nose and a head from Divine Rhapsody and Slygufftou
Mrs Callaghan's husband Barry said: "He has had a lot of problems but we're delighted the owners persevered with him and Robbie (Colgan) gave him a lovely ride.
"He disappointed the last day but has been a good servant for us."
Meanwhile Colgan reported: "Things just worked out to a tee today. The horse settled lovely out the back, but once I started creeping into it after the third last he just came alive underneath me.
"I had to come wide around the whole lot of them. He was very game and kept galloping to the line.
"They've done a great job with this horse. I wasn't sure if I was up at the line but it's great to get the win."
The Stewards interviewed R.C. Colgan, rider of Ongenstown Lad, winner, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found R.C. Colgan in breach of Reg 10 4. by failing to give his mount time to respond to the whip and Reg 10 3 (f) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency, and having taken his record into account, they suspended him for 6 racedays.
The Stewards interviewed A. Ring, rider of Divine Rhapsody, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found A. Ring in breach of Reg 10 4. by failing to give his mount time to respond to the whip and Reg 10 3(f) by using his whip with excessive frequency and having taken his record into account suspended him for one race day.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Catalaunian Fields trained by C.A.Murphy, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
The Stewards requested a report from Mrs Gillian Callaghan, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Ongenstown Lad, placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer's representative reported that this horse had reasonable form until his last run where he ran too free in cheekpieces. Today they tried the horse without pieces and he seemed to settle better which may have brought about the improvement. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the contents of the report.
R. Walsh, rider of New Kid In Town trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran too free.
(TW & EM)
