Can't Stop Smiling is pushed out by Charlie O'Dwyer© Photo Healy Racing
Given a patient ride by Charlie O'Dwyer, Can't Stop Smiling came from off the pace and ultimately ran out an easy winner of the West Tyre Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.
On what was her debut in handicap company, the 100-rated Aidan Howard-trained bay was sent off a 17/2 chance (from 10s) in the colours of JP McManus.
Taking closer order on the outer from the third last, the five-year-old was poised to challenge behind the leaders on the approach to the final flight.
She wasn't fluent at that obstacle but shot to the front from the furlong pole and readily stretched clear, coming home 12-lengths to the good.
The Lorna Fowler-trained Skip Mahler (18s early, returned 8/1) filled the runner-up spot under John Shinnick, while Ballinlough Gale (7s early, returned 9/2) was another length away in third.
Sent off the 10/3 favourite, Mcgrath From Clune could only manage sixth.
"They went quite hard in front and she stays well," Frank Berry, racing manager for McManus, commented.
"The ground was nice and she jumped well. Charlie is a good young lad who is keen and he's learning on the job. These winners he's after having will give him more confidence."
Bred by Noreen McManus, the winner is out of Florishwells D'ete who was a dual winner for Willie Mullins.
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Raceday Stewards enquired into the start of this race where Peace Party ridden by K. Callaghan, was turned the wrong way and adrift of the remainder of the runners when the race started. Evidence was heard from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Starter Mr J.R. Banahan who stated that he had informed the riders that there were fifteen seconds to the start time and to walk quietly. He added that he was concentrating on the horses at the front and from his position on a low rostrum, he did not see that Peace Party was adrift of the field. He admitted that he would have acted differently if he was aware of the whereabouts of Peace Party. K. Callaghan stated that he heard the starter requesting everybody to slow down and announcing that there were fifteen seconds to the start time. At that time the runners were revved up and his own mount was sideways and in fear of being kicked, he turned his mount around and shouted to the Starter. Desmond McDonogh, trainer of Peace Party, stated that he saw his charge acting up, turning around and being left. Having considered all the evidence, the Raceday Stewards referenced Rules 10, 208 and 209. In their summary, the Raceday Stewards made no alteration to the Judges placings. In reaching this decision they took into consideration that the Starter had delayed his start by the seconds announced and that Peace Party had participated in the race before being pulled up. Furthermore, they reminded K. Callaghan of his responsibility to comply with the provisions of Rule 208 by not turning his horse backwards from the starting line having been instructed by the starter to come forward. The Raceday Stewards referred the matter to the CEO of the IHRB for further investigation.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Mcgrath From Clune, trained by Robert Tyner, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
