Brownstone in command© Photo Healy Racing
Brownstone was a very ready winner of the Anne Valley Walk Handicap Hurdle at Tramore for a very in-form Ian Donoghue.
Donoghue's brother, Keith, did the steering and delivered Brownstone into contention inside the final half mile.
The eight-year-old gelding was full of running as he held a slight lead over Glady Max on the approach to the second-last. A good jump there saw him extend the advantage and he was soon asked to go and win his race. Another lovely jump at the last saw him home and he scooted in by an easy five and a-half lengths at 9/2 from 7/1. Toor Moon came in second at 12s and was just over two lengths in front of Mrs Biddle (28/1).
Trainer Donoghue said: "The ground was too deep for him the last day, he sulked a bit and pulled himself up. He is only a small horse and the deep ground was probably tough on him.
"We gave him a nice break after that and he was good and fresh coming here today. We thought he might need the run and he hadn't been working great at home, he was keeping plenty for himself.
"It's great that he went and did that on the track anyway and it's great for the syndicate. Some of the them are away and some are working, so there is only a few of them here today. He'll be kept going for the summer now.
"I had my first jumps winner here and I think that's 12 winners overall now - my first season with a licence.
"We've had four or five point-to-point winners as well. The phone is busy and I do be trying to find these syndicates horses.
"I'd love to be buying these store horses, but they don't have the patience for that. They prefer getting the likes of this lad handicapped and having a bit of craic. He was only bought for five or six grand."
Trainer Donoghue's last three track horses have now won as he enjoyed a double at Down Royal eight days ago through Tankardstown Diva and O'Faolains Glory.
This was Brownstone's second career success having opened his account over flights at Fairyhouse in October.
The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Donoghue, trainer, following the winning performance of Brownstone, in this race, which appeared to represent an improvement on its previous run when pulling up in Punchestown. Donoghue stated that heavy ground on his latest run caused his mount to pull up and a return to a sounder surface today has brought about an apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation offered.
The Raceday Stewards interviewed E.M. O'Sullivan, rider of Stradbally Village in relation to his failure to pull his mount up when it has clearly no more to give. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that his mount can be lazy and felt he could continue to finish. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that E.M. O'Sullivan was in breach of Rule 216(ii) (b) and having taken his record into consideration they suspended him for 2 race days.
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
