Rhinestone (Mark Walsh, left, the winner) and Envious Editor (Robbie Power)© Photo Healy Racing
Market movements beforehand weren’t the soundest guide with Rhinestone drifting from 1/2 to 8/13 and the same connections Anywayyoulookatit coming in from 33s to a starting price of 14s. The former got the job done all the way the same, in the Naas opener.
This big field Irish Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle was marred by the early fatal injury sustained by French Furze
Up the straight Rhinestone and second favourite Envious Editor had a good duel but Mark Walsh on the winner always looked happy enough that he’d edge it, and that he did by a short head.
They drew on by ten lengths from the third home, the pace-setting Good Luck Hope
Competing like Rhinestone for J P McManus and Joseph O’Brien, the aforementioned Anywayyoulookatit finished twelfth.
McManus racing manager Frank Berry said: “Hopefully he’ll come on jumping wise, and he was quite good over the last two. They didn’t go mad and it ended up a bit of a sprint. It was a bit messy with the loose horse.
“His bumper form looked quite good at the time, and it’s nice to get that start (over hurdles). He’ll probably be in with the big boys after this.”
D.J. McInerney, rider of Road By The River trained by Mrs. Y. Dunleavy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left throughout.
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Wake Up Early ridden by L.P. Dempsey, and trained by Francis J. Flood.
Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. L.P. Dempsey, stated that his instructions were to sit sixth or seventh and do the best he could from there.
In the race itself, he was happy with his position early but he took a blow at the back of the fourth last and again at the back of the third last and he finished out the race as best he could.
He rode the horse off a long rein, he jumped well throughout but he felt if he had got after him sooner he wouldn't have seen out the race.
Francis J. Flood, stated that he felt this horse was fully fit but in his opinion he looked tired at the finish.
He expressed himself satisfied with the ride.
The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that the horse was clinically abnormal post race.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, in view of the veterinary evidence the Stewards noted the explanations offered.
Under the provisions of Rule 90 (iii), the Stewards allowed Local Rogue trained by Miss Elizabeth Doyle, to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the horse was correctly vaccinated in accordance with Rule 91.
(AM & EM)
