Easy for Embittered in Sligo opener Registering a sixth career win, the Eric McNamara-trained Embittered made all under Paddy O'Brien in the opener at Sligo, the Knocknarea Claiming Hurdle. Previously in the care of Joseph O'Brien and Gordon Elliott and successful in Grade 3 company over fences, the 11-year-old was tried in cheekpieces for the first time today. Well-supported from 2/1 into 6/4 favouritism, the Fame And Glory bay had all his rivals off the bridle on the approach to the penultimate obstacle and just needed to be pushed out on the run-in, coming home four-and-a-quarter lengths to the good. Just as he did at Wexford last month, Must Meet Cecil (9/4) filled the runner-up spot under Gavin Brouder, while Rockview Roman was another three-lengths away in third. "He was the class horse in the race. I got to bounce out and boss it from there. He was good," O'Brien said of the Tadhg Moynihan-owned victor. "Eric said to try and get out and get in front, get in a good rhythm and see what happens. The horse duly obliged. "I got to do what I wanted in front and that was a big help." Both Must Meet Cecil (E10,000) and Rockview Roman (E4,000) were later claimed by Eric McNamara and Mickey Bowen respectively. STEWARDS REPORTS * P. Hanlon, rider of Rockview Roman, trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount pulled up lame. * The Raceday Stewards interviewed D.A Kidd, rider of Dreal Deal, trained by John C. McConnell, concerning his riding in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he had failed to obtain the best possible place as a result of misjudgement. Having viewed the recording and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found D.A Kidd in breach of Rule 212A (iv) (stopped riding) and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for four race days and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee. * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Raceday Stewards that Rockview Roman trained by John C. McConnell was found to be lame post race with an injury on the right fore tendon. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
