Lingfield Result

An enquiry was held into the running and riding of Sharp Talk (IRE), ridden by Fergus Sweeney and trained by Shaun Keightley which was slightly slowly away and initially ran keenly on the outside of the field, was then settled in behind the front runners before staying on at the one pace under apparent tender handling, to finish fourth, beaten by 12 ¾ lengths.

The rider and the trainer were interviewed and shown recordings of the race; the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of Sharp Talk (IRE) during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities.

The rider stated that his instructions were to finish as close as he could in what was considered to be a bad race.

He added that the gelding ran slightly keenly to post so he dropped him in to try and get him settled.

The rider stated that he asked Sharp Talk (IRE) for an effort approximately 3 furlongs out, at which point the gelding had become unbalanced and he felt unable to ride him out as vigorously as he had wished, which he had reported at Scales.

The trainer stated that he was satisfied with the ride and that it accorded with the instructions given.

He further stated that he had been unsure as to how the gelding would act on the ground as his only run had been on the all-weather, and that Sharp Talk (IRE) was always worked on an all-weather surface at home.

He added that the gelding may have been unsuited by the Good to Firm, Firm in places ground and that his action may be better suited to the all-weather.

In addition, he said that Sharp Talk (IRE) would likely remain at 7 furlongs at present but may well step up to a mile once he had learned to settle better in his races.

Their explanations were noted.

Following the race, Eoin Walsh reported that Threefeetfromgold (IRE), placed third, ran too free.