Edelak is a sweet winner for Benson

On just her second ride for Johnny Murtagh and her first in the famous Aga Khan silks, Georgie Benson struck gold on Edelak in the Download The Tote App (Q.R.) Maiden.

With blinkers and a tongue-strap deployed for the first time this evening, the 87-rated Almanzor bay was sent off a well-supported 11/4 chance (from 7/2).

Settled behind the leaders and taking closer order from the three-furlong pole, the successful three-year-old eased to the front on the inner on the turn for home.

Soon ridden, he quickly skipped a few lengths clear and kept up the gallop all the way to the line, eventually easing to a four-and-a-half length win.

Providing Noel Kelly and Oran McGill with their second runner-up finish of the evening, Nakassama (11/1 from 20s) came through to take minor honours, a half-a-length in front of Mont St Michel (2/1f) in third.

Drifting from 13/8 to 10/3, Waterford Flow never landed a blow and finished a well-beaten eighth.

"It's my second (ride for Johnny Murtagh). I had one in the Ladies Derby a few weeks ago but we had a better result today," Benson, who was also on the mark at Wexford last week, commented.

"I've been in there all summer and I actually ride this lad out a good bit. He was a bit disappointing in the Curragh a few weeks ago and I'd say he just thinks about things too much.

"Johnny said he was going to put him in here and worked him with blinkers during the week and he worked well.

"I wanted to jump out and get him travelling and he did, he travelled like a dream.

"I nearly thought I went too soon but I wanted to keep him rolling. He never lacked ability, just had a look around the last day.

"He had good form. In Fairyhouse Johnny's horse that was third behind him (Floresta) has won and was second in a winners' race last week. He had good form, it was just getting it out of him today and it worked.

"I'd say he enjoyed the hustle and bustle of a big field, he's one that thinks a bit so I'd say all that revved him up.

"I got a lovely run around and about three-and-a-half furlongs out I could feel people starting to close in. I just didn't want to get him stopped and when I pulled him out he took off.

"I didn't think he'd win by that much to be honest. I was hopeful he'd go out and run a big race but that was more than I expected.

"It's special to ride around here let alone ride a winner and to get these colours on is a big day.

"It's my first winner at the festival and my second ride. It's brilliant.

"Johnny has been really good to me the last few weeks. I've learned so much.

"It's kind of my first time with Flat horses and it's sharpened me up a lot riding work on two-year-olds, with the likes of Seamie (Heffernan), Ben Coen and Niall (McCullagh). They've been brilliant and I've been learning every day. I can't thank them enough."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Waterford Flow, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr K.P. Healy, rider of Rockys Favourite concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted he was in breach and apologised. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Mr. K. P. Healy was in breach of Regulation 10.3.h (arm above shoulder height) and having considered his record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended Mr. K. P. Healy for two racedays.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr O. McGill, rider of Nakassama, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he had miscounted. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Mr. O. McGill was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g (excessive frequency) and having considered his record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended Mr. O. McGill for three racedays.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson