Estepona Sun clear in Foxrock© Photo Healy Racing
Estepona Sun appeared to hold all the aces in Leopardstown’s claimer over a mile and a quarter, and so it proved as he powered eight lengths clear.
He had plenty in hand on ratings and was duly sent off the 2/9 favourite.
The Tamayuz gelding travelled kindly for Colin Keane and closed on the leaders entering the straight. He was shaken up to lead over a furlong out and the race was soon over.
He moved clear inside the final furlong and ran on strongly for a wide-margin verdict. Stellify took second in a different parish at 100/1, a length and a quarter in front of Laralei (18/1).
Estepona Sun gave Ger Lyons and Keane a double on the card as they had earlier teamed up with Roca Roma in the fillies’ handicap.
Assistant trainer Shane Lyons said: “We don't have enough claimers in this country and HRI haven't been putting them on this year.
“The excuses they are giving us aren't right, they are saying that owners can't come and look at horses.
“I've had several phone calls from English trainers today asking us about the horses and taking our advice.
“We were represented in every claimer last year and they've been claimed. It stops us having to go to the sales, bringing staff to the sales in England who would then need to quarantine for two weeks.
“We have to have claimers. If there was a claimer a week it takes horses out of the sales.
“In every claimer last year our horses were gone and I wouldn't be surprised if two of the three, if not all three, were claimed.
“We are an honest yard. We price them right, accounting for the prize money, and we take the cost out of having to travel. All these horses are in the sales next week at Newmarket.
“It's vital that HRI support Irish trainers and have claimers at least once a month, if not once a week.
“Everyone who has one in a claimer gets a run whereas in the 0-65s they get balloted out. You can have different levels of claimers.
“The excuses HRI are giving are not acceptable. I've got five calls from England today and they are good enough to take my word. We want claimers to continue and aren't going to put them wrong.
“Jim Gough has claimed plenty of ours. There was a race the other day with four horses in it that had been claimed from us. Vormir won the other day and I was delighted to see him win.
“We want to support these races.
“This horse got 6lb for finishing second in a handicap last time and he's rated 87.
“He got through the ground lovely and Colin said he handled it as well as he did on better ground last week.
“He's a young three-year-old that could either go hurdling or run in premier handicaps. If we have to have him back, no problem.”
The winner was claimed by Co Derry trainer Noel Kelly for €25,000.
The Stewards interviewed James J. Doyle, rider of New Wreck concerning his use of the whip when out of contention. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that James J. Doyle was in breach of Regulation 10.3(i)(time to respond with whip) and having considered his record they suspended him for one race day. The Stewards gave Mr. Doyle the benefit of the doubt as to the unjustifiable use of his whip when out of contention.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
