Foritsa and Adam O'Neill clear the last© Photo Healy Racing
Foritsa is in the form of his life now aged nine and he supplemented his Wexford success from over a month ago (dropping back in trip) under Adam O'Neill in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase at Thurles.
The successful Golden Tornado gelding was second in here for this two and a quarter miler, at 4/1 behind the market leading Bendala Bleu at 7/2. His connections and backers endured a frustrating time in advance of this opener as he didn't look happy, was led in, lost considerable and eventually pulled up approaching the sixth.
Meanwhile pace-setter Musawama came wide in the straight whilst Foritsa took a tighter line and led at the second last.
It was all over bar the shouting from before the last and the New Ross horse eventually crossed the line eight and a half lengths to the good from Moiqen
A moderate sort 'between the flags' Foritsa was one from eighteen at that game and he represents owner Harry Williams and trainer Gordon Doyle.
The Stewards enquired into the performance of Bendala Bleu (GB), trained by Donal Hassett and by ridden by B.F.Cawley, which was pulled up before the turn into the straight after jumping only 5 fences.
Evidence was heard from Brian Hassett, authorised representative of the trainer and the rider concerned and Mr D.Cullen, Turf Club Starter.
B.F. Cawley stated that he was instructed to keep his mount in amongst the other horses down at the start to ensure he would jump off, but having been circling with the rest of the field inside the track, he started pulling the reins out of his hands and hung out across the track to the far rail away from the other runners. He added that try as he might, he couldn't get his mount back to the rest of the field and had to be led into the start alone in order to get him to line up. He further added that as soon as the starter let the field go, Bendala Bleu (GB) continued to plunge down his head and pull the reins out of his hands but would not travel, raced reluctantly and approaching the turn into the home straight he would not turn right and ran in towards the running rail and he had to pull him up. Brian Hassett stated that Bendala Bleu (GB) has never acted in such a manner on the track, but once as a Point to Pointer he jumped off reluctantly. He didn't envision any issues today once the horse was kept amoungst the field down at the start, but accepted what the rider explained had happened. He stated that the horse is quirky and can be difficult.
D. Cullen stated that he gave the horse every opportunity to jump off with the field, getting someone to lead in the horse in an effort to help the rider but the horse looked difficult and disinterested.
Having considered all the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered and suggested to the trainer's representative to put some procedures in place down at the start to try avoid a recurrence in future.
The Stewards received a report from P.L. Malone, Turf Club Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that R.M.Moran, rider of Code Dancer placed fourth, weighed in 2 lbs overweight.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who stated that he lost 5 or 6 lbs this morning to ride at the correct weight, but had to drink water after weighing out, as he felt he was starting to cramp. He added that this, together with some rain that fell, contributed to him weighing in heavy.
Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that R.M. Moran was in breach of Rule 231 and they therefore suspended him for 1 raceday.
N.P. Madden, rider of Blue Dynasty (USA) trained by Oliver J.Power, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount resented the application of blinkers and was pulled up..
(EM & TW)
