Custom Taylor lands valuable prize for Queally & Sexton There was an exciting conclusion to the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final, with Custom Taylor just getting the better of Welsh raider Andy Amo (16/1). In truth, the pair dominated from flag fall, with the Rebecca Curtis-trained runner-up attempting to make all under Sean Flanagan. Content to track the leader in second, the Kevin Sexton-ridden victor pressed the front-runner approaching the straight and came under pressure before the penultimate obstacle. In a share of the lead before the final flight, the Declan Queally-trained chestnut blundered and while marginally headed, he battled back gamely on the run-in and was half-a-length to the good at the line. Following-up on an easy breakthrough success over hurdles at Limerick last month, the Dr Brid Corkery-owned six-year-old was returned at 18/1. Finishing strongly, the Stuart Crawford pair of Ayiko (25/1) and Al Kalila (18/1) were a length and a quarter and a length away in third and fourth respectively. Still a maiden, Dont Tell Jack came in for strong market support and while he was sent off the 6/4 favourite (from 4s early), he could only manage a disappointing ninth. "He's a grand horse, he's kind of progressed with racing," Queally said. "He ran very well in Galway in October and maybe had a couple of small blips. "He has found his feet and he has stayed on well, so it is great. He stays and he keeps going, so it is mighty. "He could turn into a nice three-mile chaser down the road, you wouldn't know where he'll end up. "It is great for his owner/breeder to win a E50,000 handicap like that." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Fishery Lane (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Promontory, trained by Sarah Joanna Connell, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be lame on its left hind post race. * P. Townend, rider of Fishery Lane (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled. * M.P. O'Connor, rider of Goody Four Shoes, trained by Thomas Gibney, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled. * The Raceday Stewards enquired into the first and second approach to the starter involving J.J. Slevin, rider of Ayiko (GB) and S.W. Flanagan, rider of Andy Amo where it appeared both horses broke into a canter before the flag was dropped. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. J.J. Slevin stated that he was forced forward by the field and tried his best to stop his mount. S.W. Flanagan stated that his mount bolted and there was nothing he could do. He further added that he never asked his mount to go forward. Having viewed the recording of the riders approach and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that both riders were in breach of Rule 208(iii)(b) and Rule 208(v)(b). Having considered their records in this regard, they suspended both S.W. Flanagan and J.J. Slevin for one raceday. Additional reporting by Michael Graham
