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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Hatton prevails for O'Mara & Lee

Fri 20th Jun 2014, 19:50

Hatton Cross (nearest) is driven out by Billy Lee to beat both Count Of Carabass (hidden) and Togoville (grey)Hatton Cross (nearest) is driven out by Billy Lee to beat both Count Of Carabass (hidden) and Togoville (grey)
© Photo Healy Racing

The Thomond O’Mara trained Hatton Cross just prevailed in the Ballyduane Stud Handicap, holding off the late surge of Count Of Carabass

The five-year-old son of Moss Vale ran a cracker on his last start over the course and distance, finishing just half a length second to Pixie Spirit, and he was sent off the 7/2 favourite (backed from 4/1) to go one place better this evening.

Settled in mid-division by Billy Lee he improved on the outer and was soon ridden as they turned into the straight.

He made further progress into second a furlong and a half from home, gradually reeling in the front running Togoville inside the final furlong, while also holding off the late run of Count Of Carabass.

A photo finished was called after they crossed the line with Hatton Cross getting the verdict by a short head.

The Hillary McLoughlin trained Count Of Carabass had to settle for second under Chris Hayes at 8/1 (opened at 12/1 on-course), while Togoville, under Colin Keane for Pat Martin, was a further half a length back in third at 4/1 (opened at 5/1)

When asked whether he thought his gelding had won Thomond O'Mara said: "No, but it must have been in the bob of the head."

He then added: "He was entitled to win on his last run and he will kept doing more of the same."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards received a report from Ms. Nicola O'Connor, Turf Club Veterinary Officer, that Hatton Cross, the winner, trained by T. J. O' Mara, appeared as a colt on it's passport despite having been gelded. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that in his opinion, he had returned the horse in training as a gelding and had conformed with the provisions of Rule 148 as is required. He stated that he did not notice that on the passport, the horse was still described as a colt. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards referred the matter to the Chief Executive of the Turf Club for further investigation.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

1st
7/2Fav
Tote €4.40 €2.10
2nd
shd
8/1
€2.10
3rd
0.5L
4/1
€2.40
4th
0.5L
6/1
About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.