Masalai (nearside) and Conor Hoban, got the better of Complicit and Denis Linehan© Photo Healy Racing
Masalai just foiled a strong market move for Complicit to land race three at Dundalk, the first split of the Ash Brothers Building Contractors Handicap.
Backed from 6/1 into 9/4 favourite Complicit chased the leaders under Denis Linehan for the Johnny Levins yard.
That Captain Rio gelding led a furlong and a half out. However he couldn't hold Eddie Lynam's Masalai close home, Conor Hoban's mount getting there by a short head.
Hoban said afterwards: "I was delighted to get the ride for Mr Lynam. He'd a good run here the last day, and is an improving three-year-old. He's still quite green so hopefully there is more to come.
"He saw out the trip well, and I don't see any reason why he won't go another two furlongs."
The Stewards received a report from Mr. W. Fleming, Turf Club Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that D.P. Linehan, rider of Complicit, weighed in at 1.1 lbs overweight.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.
Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that the rider was in breach of Rule 231 and they therefore cautioned him having taken his clean record into account.
Jane M. Foley, trainer of Benson Dubois reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that her charge was found to have suffered an injury to its right hind leg on post race examination.
(AM & EM)
