Dundalk Results Wed, 23rd Mar, 2016

See also » Your Pal Tal is back
It was a good call by Ronan as I wanted to drop him out but he felt there wouldn't be much pace and wanted to make the running. J F Levins, trainer

The Stewards interviewed Gary Paul Halpin, rider of Strategic Heights, concerning the fact that he appeared to move across before reaching the marker poles. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered evidence from the rider, the Stewards were satisfied that Gary Paul Halpin was in breach of rule 211 (a) by failing to keep a straight line from his draw position until reaching the marker poles and consequently fined him ?100. The Stewards requested a report from J.F. Levins, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Your Pal Tal (GB), placed first, as compared with its recent form. J.F. Levins reported that his charge had previously won four races here at Dundalk but had lost his form over the winter months. He added that he tried different ideas to try and rekindle his enthusiasm namely by turning him out in a paddock in recent weeks, by omitting the hood which had been fitted in recent runs, by the choice of R.P. Whelan to make the running today rather than dropping him in off the pace, by the return to a six furlong trip and finally by the drop of 12lbs in his rating in what he felt was a weak contest. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.

An extended handicap for three yrs old and upwards (75 = 10st)
Penalties - (after calculation of the handicap) A winner shall carry 5lb extra; for each race won. Any horse rated above 75 shall initially be treated as having that rating and the highest weight allotted shall be 10st. Subsequently, the excess over 75 in any rating shall be added to the weight allotted to that horse. (For the purpose of this note, any three year old rated above 75 shall have the applicable weight for age allowance then prevailing deducted from the horse's rating prior to the original calculation of the handicap)