Niall & Tom Madden are all smiles after they were both successful at Roscommon© Photo Healy Racing
With Tom Madden taking the third on Piper Bomb his brother Niall got in on the act, as he partnered De Name Escapes Me to a surprise success in the Sherry Fitzgerald P Burke Auctioneers Maiden.
Last seen finishing down the field in the Mayo National at Ballinrobe, the Noel Meade trained victor was making his debut on the level this evening.
Successful over hurdles and fences during the winter months, the versatile son of Vinnie Roe was sent off an easy to back 16/1 chance.
Settled towards rear, he was pushed along from early in the straight and soon took closer order behind the leaders.
He was ridden to challenge between horses inside the final furlong and in what was a bunch finish, he got up close home to prevail by a head.
There was very little between the first six home in this mile and two contest, with Formal Order (8s to 4s on-course) and Recent Revelations (8/1) in second and third respectively.
Just a head separated those two, while Maria Christina (11/4f) was less than a length away in fifth.
Meade, who trains the winner for JP McManus, said afterwards: "In the stand I couldn't see him as they were racing behind the stalls. When they came out I was looking at the wrong horse so I didn't see him until the last second.
"Soft ground makes a big difference. They went very quick and he stays well. I'd say they went too quick in front and he is a stayer.
"He is a moderate jumper - he jumps hurdles but doesn't jump fences. We said we'd give him a run on the flat to sweeten him up and give him something else to think about."
STEWARDS REPORTS
S. Foley, rider of Formal Order (GB), trained by J.P. Murtagh, reported at the Stewards' enquiry that his mount hung right in the straight.
The Stewards interviewed S. Foley, rider of Formal Order (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned which included a comment that his mount had hung right when under pressure which in his opinion had cost him the race. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that the first two hits were for corrective purposes therefore the remaining number of hits did not breach R10 and took no further action. In relation to his comment that his mount had hung, the Stewards reminded S. Foley of his responsibility to comply with Rule 213 by reporting at first instance anything that may have affected the running of his horse.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
