Ask Heather (winner, blue and white, Liam Quinlan) from Mohart (Phillip Enright) and Muyam Spirit (Richard Condon)© Photo Healy Racing
The result of the Christmas Parties At Tramore Racecourse Rated Novice Chase was confirmed after a steward’s enquiry with Ask Heather (3/1 into 9/4 favourite) gaining the day for Declan Queally and Liam Quinlan.
James Dullea has care of runner-up Mohart and he was the former trainer of Ask Heather until she was moved to the Queally yard.
The successful daughter of Ask (off a 157 day break) leaned over on to Mohart on the rail in the final fifty yards.
Three parts of a length split them at the line and there was just half a length to Josephina in third.
“I have to hand it to Liam, that was a serious ride. He got her jumping very well," said Queally.
“She probably wants three miles but it was a suitable race with her hurdle mark and I was a little bit worried about fitness but thankfully she got through it.
“We might chance her in the two mile and one furlong mares Grade 3 novice in Mallow in December. The owner would love to get a bit of black type as she’s related to Monalee.
“She should make a nice chaser and that was a good start.”
The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Mohart, ridden by P.T. Enright, placed second and Ask Heather, ridden by L. Quinlan, placed first, where it appeared Mohart ran short of room close to the line. 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 Judge's placings. They were, however, of the opinion that L. Quinlan was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly. Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards suspended L. Quinlan for 1 raceday.
(AM & EM)
