The Nutcracker leads over the last with eventual winner Space Ship (noseband) in behind© Photo Healy Racing
Space Ship got off the mark on his eighth start over hurdles as he ran out a fortuitous winner of the opener at Down Royal, the Bet With The Tote Maiden Hurdle.
The Robbie Hennessey trained gelding was formerly trained in the UK by John Gosden and he was bought for 130,000 Guineas by Hennessy at Tattersalls in October of 2013. The Nutcracker improved to lead before the last but she wandered around on the approach to the final flight and wasn't fluent in jumping.
Space Ship seized the initiative and he soon shot to the front under Jonathan Burke, going on from there to repel the renewed challenge of The Nutcracker by a diminishing head.
The Nutcracker was ridden by Jonathan Moore who was a late replacement for Mark Flanagan. Areema (12/1) completed the placings a further length and three parts back in third under Danny Mullins for Ian Ferguson while Round Tower (10/3 to 5/2 favourite) could only manage fifth after attempting to make all.
Robbie Hennessy said in the aftermath: "Johnny said he filled his lungs coming to the last. He had a wind operation and is going to be a nice horse for the summer.
"I was disappointed he didn't win last time but he wasn't 100 per cent right the last day, he was quiet in himself afterwards. He ran well but wasn't himself. He's had a few niggly problems."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards enquired into possible interference approaching the 2 furlong pole involving The Nutcracker, ridden by J.M. Moore, placed second, and Areema, ridden by D.E. Mullins, placed third, where it appeared Areema suffered interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the judges' placings. They were, however, of the opinion J.M. Moore was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having taken his record into account, they suspended him for 2 racedays.
Mrs. Alison Millar, Acting Steward, absented herself from this enquiry.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
