Doninga Mullins camp complete a productive couple of days Tropical Retreat reversed Naas form from just last Monday with Mint Man, when taking the Kwiff: Proud Sponsors Of The Supercharge Series Handicap, the penultimate event on Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes Day at the Curragh. Shane Foley rode Tropical Retreat for the first time on the recent Bank Holiday, when she finished fourth behind Mint Man. On this occasion Mint Man could manage only fourth as up front Foley wasn't taking no for an answer on Tropical Retreat. She was tending to edge to her right but in the end Tom Mullins' Tropical Retreat convincingly accounted for Rappell and Aviatrice by a length and three parts and a neck. After happenings at the RDS yesterday, with his wife Helen's nephew Seamus Hughes Kennedy jumping a double clear round in the Nations Cup, this success was completing an excellent couple of days for the Doninga clan. “She’s one of those strong headed fillies that has taken her time to come to our way of thinking," said the winning trainer. “Horses have to learn so much about sprinting. They need a few runs to get the hang of it, and I think she won snug at the end. “She’s after winning three this year and if she wins no more that is fine. Hopefully she will come out of that well and we’ll try to get her some black type. “She’s improving all the time, and she should be even better next year as she still has to fill into herself. “We were worried about the ground, but Shane said she handled it real well.” The Raceday Stewards held an enquiry prior to the start of racing, to consider a report from the IHRB Veterinary Officer, Dr G. Adams, regarding Devil's Angel, trained by Raymond Hurley which was due to run in race seven, start time 5.05pm. Evidence was heard from the IHRB Veterinary Officer and the trainer concerned. Dr G. Adams reported that he noticed a venepuncture with traces of blood on the horse which in his opinion appeared to be very recent, possibly today. Raymund Hurley stated that his charges' bloods were taken within the last 48 hours. The Raceday Stewards having heard the initial evidence allowed a period of time for the trainer to contact his own Veterinary practice who were responsible for taking the bloods in order that a line of communication could be established between the Veterinary Professionals to establish a definitive time to account for the venepuncture. The Raceday Stewards reconvened after the third race, Dr G. Adams confirmed that he had been in contact with the trainers Vet who informed him that he took the bloods on Thursday, two days ago. Dr. G. Adams initial concerns were not allayed. Having considered the evidence and pursuant to the provisions of Rule 18 and 87, the Raceday stewards ordered the withdrawal of Devil's Angel with a full set of Raceday Regulatory samples to be taken. R.P. Cleary, rider of Kwa Herini (GB), trained by Kevin Thomas Coleman, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount received a bump leaving the stalls and hung right the last furlong and a half. (AM & EM)
