Progressive Jerrari follows-up on Roscommon win

Following-up on his breakthrough success at Roscommon, Jerrari led home 19-rivals in the Iggy Daly Easyfix Handicap Hurdle.

Trained by Jessica Harrington and from the family of Jezki, the 10/1 chance was given a patient ride by Donagh Meyler.

Towards rear early on, the Order Of St George five-year-old made progress on the outer with over a circuit to go.

Poised to challenge approaching the second last, the 105-rated bay jumped into a share of the lead over that flight and soon edged to the front.

Ridden away from the last, he ultimately found plenty for pressure and came home four-lengths to the good in the colours of the Mount Temple Three Syndicate.

Hampered three out, Prove Yourself (5/1) kept on well to finish second under Danny Gilligan for Ross O'Sullivan, while the easy-to-back Willie Mullins-trained Rakki (3/1f from 11/8 early) was another half-a-length away in third.

With 20 in the race, Paul Collins completed the places another half-a-length away in fourth.

"He's always promised a lot but was a bit disappointing over the winter months," Kate Harrington reflected.

"He got his head in front at Roscommon the last day and we felt that once he did that he could keep improving. He was very good today.

"He's from a great family that the McGrath family have bred. This is just a 0-110 handicap but it's on the big stage at the Galway Festival."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Metamorpheus ridden by Anna McGuinness, placed fifth, Prove Yourself, ridden by D.J Gilligan, placed second, Half A Chance ridden by S. Ewing, unplaced, and Paul Collins, ridden by S.F. O'Keeffe, placed fourth, where it appeared Half A Chance ran short of room and had to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Anna McGuinness stated that the horse in front of her rolled in and she switched out off heels. D. J. Gilligan stated that he maintained his racing line. S. Ewing stated that he received a good bump when the horse on his inside switched out. S. F. O'Keeffe stated that he maintained his line and caused no interference. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found Anna McGuinness was in breach of Rule 214, in that she had ridden carelessly, and having considered her record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended Anna McGuinness for two racedays.

Anna McGuinness, rider of Metamorpheus, trained by Richard John O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount leaned left up the straight.

C. Stone-Walsh, rider of River Tara trained by C.A.Murphy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount lost its action after the second last.

Mr S. Connor, rider of Colvin trained by S.R.B. Crawford, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a bad mistake at the second in the back straight.

D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Ballyearl (FR), trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was impeded by a horse down the back straight. Having viewed a recording of the incident and considered the matter the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the circumstances surrounding the fact that Malbas trained by E. Buckley and ridden by K. Buckley, did not continue to proceed around the parade ring and be mounted on the walk as required under the provisions of Regulation 16. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that the groom leading up the horse was looking for the rider and took a turn but he had not instructed her to do so, however he added that they did want to get to the start early. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that E. Buckley was in breach of Regulation 16 and having considered his record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards fined E. Buckley E100 on this occasion.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the circumstances surrounding the fact that Clonbury Bridge trained by J. P. Dempsey and ridden by C. G. O'Dwyer, did not continue to proceed around the parade ring and be mounted on the walk as required under the provisions of Regulation 16. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that the groom leading up the horse had turned and he had not instructed them to do so. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that J. P. Dempsey was in breach of Regulation 16 and having considered his record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards fined J. P. Dempsey E100 on this occasion.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee