Amschel and Rachael Blackmore© Photo Healy Racing
She was down but she was certainly not out as thirty five minutes on from a fall off Jazz Ranger in a handicap hurdle, Rachael Blackmore was back among the winners with Amschel getting the job done for trainer Ellmarie Holden in the Clonacody (C & G) Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.
Unfortunately favourite Giant Spirit pullied up with an injury whilst Gordon Elliott's second market-choice Last Minute Man (10th) failed by some way to come up to expectations.
The door was left open in this near two and a half miler and building on a Kilbeggan debut second placing from 17 days back, Amschel didn't need a second invite.
He stayed on powerfully to see off Smitty Bacall by two lengths.
"Ellmarie is at the Rolling Stones concert and this is my own lad along with my wife Gillian who led him up. She is a vet and rides him out every day before work so she has done all the hard work with this fellow," stated Ray Cody, winning owner and Miss Holden's assistant.
"We bought him for very handy money at Newmarket out of Luca Cumani's and he was just a frame of a horse, and still is actually.
"The plan is to sell him but I'd be happy to keep him if he's not and Galway would be the plan for him.
"Rachael reckons two miles would suit him and be long enough for him. We just came here because it was a nice place to come on his second run. He is a horse who will win a maiden on the Flat and will be a nice dual purpose horse."
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Last Minute Man, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Plan Of Attack trained by Henry de Bromhead was found to have pulled a right hind shoe in running.
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Smitty Bacall, ridden by D.F. O'Regan, and trained by J.R. Barry.
Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned.
D.F. O'Regan, stated that his instructions were to settle his mount towards the rear, get relaxed and jumping and to do the best he could.
He said his mount jumped and settled well apart from missing the last hurdle on both circuits.
He said his mount travelled very well through out in a race that was run at a very fast pace and added that he also met with slight interference in the closing stages.
J.R. Barry, confirmed the instructions given and expressed his satisfaction with the ride.
He outlined the difficulties he had with keeping this animal sound in the past, but was satisfied that the animal had plenty of work done to run well today.
Evidence was also heard from the I.H.R.B Handicapper, Mr. Andrew Shaw, who outlined the animals previous form.
The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, who stated that Smitty Bacall was found to be post race normal, samples were taken for analysis.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
(TW & EM)
