Chief calls the tune for the locals

There was a hugely popular local success in the opening GuinnessPlus App Beginners Chase as Ballindereen, County Galway owner/breeder Pakie Kelly's Aranhill Chief prevailed under Denis O'Regan for trainer Stephen Mahon.

Kelly is well-known in greyhound racing circles and he derived considerable enjoyment from watching his charge jump well under a positive O'Regan steer.

The Blueprint gelding, a 12/1 shot, eventually saw off Thomond by two lengths.

Favourite Elegant Statesman recovered well after hitting the first fence but he had to make do with seventh place.

Meanwhile Davy Russell performed heroics to stay with Vaxalco at the fourth last and the grey did well in the circumstances to finish fourth.

Mahon stated: "I'm delighted for Pakie who is like my principal owner Tom Quinn – very loyal – a solid Galway man who leaves me alone to get on with things.

"The horse is in the Galway Blazers tomorrow and we'll see how he is."

Meanwhile O'Regan explained: "My agent Ciaran O'Toole told me he'd nearly win and Stevie was confident before the race. Paul Carberry gave him a marvellous ride to win at Bellewstown and Stevie wanted him ridden in a similar way here.

"Fair play to him he had him right for the day and as regards his jumping he was a handicapper in a beginners."

The Stewards met to consider a report from Chris Gordon, Turf Club Senior Security Officer in relation to an ongoing investigation into the vaccinations as recorded in the passport of Froggy trained by G.T. Lynch. Evidence was heard from Chris Gordon, Terry Smith, Turf Club Senior Veterinary Officer and Brian Cawley, Authorised Representative of G.T. Lynch, trainer, who was absent. Having considered the report, the Stewards using their powers under Rule 19 ordered the withdrawal of Froggy for a passport irregularity and referred the matter to the Chief Executive of the Turf Club.

L. Byrne, trainer of Wells China reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge scoped wrong post race.

(TW & EM)