Rummaging (noseband) just beat An Saighdiur (centre) and Master Speaker in the first at Dundalk© Photo Healy Racing
Four to seven shot Rummaging was first off the bridle in the opening three runner Your Local Value Centre Race at Dundalk. However the suspicion was that once he got the other two of them 'off it,' he might prevail and so it proved as the 'jolly' triumphed by neck under Conor Hoban.
Considering the size of the field, this six furlong event was a thriller. Rummaging trumped An Saighdiur and there was just a short head back to the other participant, Master Speaker (first start for Martin Hassett, first run as a gelding too with a tongue-strap on for the initial occasion). He was formerly with Aidan O'Brien.
Garrett Cotter, representing Michael Halford, trainer of Rummaging, said: "He was good and tough. We were a bit worried that it would turn into a tactical affair and it kind of did.
"He battled well and stayed at it well. Race fitness was a big advantage for him (the other pair were coming off 132 and 331 day breaks respectively). It was a good performance."
The Stewards interviewed S.J. Hassett, rider of Master Speaker, concerning his use of the whip in the final furlong of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10(4), in that he used the whip without giving his mount time to respond and having considered his record, suspended him for one race day.
(GC & EM)
