Angelo Pio & McCullagh survive enquiry Angelo Pio survived a stewards enquiry before being declared the winner of the Weatherbys Digital Solutions Handicap. Successful over the course and distance last month, the Joseph O'Brien-trained bay was sent off an easy-to-back 3/1 joint-favourite this afternoon, drifting from early shows of 15/8. Ridden into a share of the lead with a furlong to go, the Sottsass colt was soon engaged in a battle with fellow joint-favourite Paddydaddy. Drifting left and bumping that rival inside the final 100 yards, there was just half-a-length between them at the line, with Gary Carroll aboard the runner-up for Andy Oliver. The front pair drew four-and-a-quarter lengths clear of Alba Chiara (7/2) in third. "Yeah he does (show an aptitude for this track). He had obviously improved from the last day, he had plenty of weight," McCullagh reflected. "I took the chances and it worked out, he was good and game. "He travelled easy and went down through them, a bit more improvement in him still. "It is nice to get my first winner for Joseph, he has been nothing but supportive." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages of this race involving Angelo Pio, ridden by S.T. McCullagh, placed first, and Paddydaddy, ridden by G.F. Carroll, placed second, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. G.F. Carroll stated that his mount received a bump which he felt cost him the race. S.T. McCullagh stated that his mount was having a look at the winning post but he corrected him immediately. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards made no alteration to the Judge’s placings and took no further action. Mr. Robert Steele recused himself from this enquiry. * S.T. McCullagh, rider of Angelo Pio, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jinked left at the winning post. Additional reporting by Michael Graham
