Free Solo continues to serve connections well The PG Duffy & Sons Citroen Apprentice Handicap at the Curragh saw eight-year-old Free Solo gain a fifth career success, for handler Pat Murphy and rider Wayne Hassett. The 10/1 victor came through from a midfield sit, making good progress towards the near side over a furlong out. Ridden and running on well to lead from over a hundred yards out, Free Solo won going away by three lengths from Finsceal Annie. “It was well deserved, he’s an honest horse and he tries every time,” said Murphy. “He’s obviously not as good as he was in his younger days but still he’s a nice fun horse. He’s often in the money. “Wayne said they went a good lick today. We said we’d ride him from the middle, we didn’t want to make the pace as sometimes he might do a bit too much in front. “We said we’d switch him off a bit and it worked out grand. A strong pace over seven suited him perfectly. “It’s a lovely place to get a winner, we’ve had a few winners up here. “He ran well in a big handicap here a year-and-a-half ago. We’ll see what the handicapper does and we might come back here again.” The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident inside the final furlong involving Clonmacash (GB), ridden by Aisling McGuinness, and Red Hugh O'Donnell, ridden by D.S. O'Sullivan, where it appeared Red Hugh O'Donnell ran up on heels. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. J.A. Powell, rider of Finsceal Annie, trained by Ciaran Murphy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was short of room at the furlong pole. The Raceday Stewards reviewed the video footage and were satisfied that no further action was warranted The Raceday Stewards interviewed D.J. O'Connor, rider of El Bello (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. D.J. O'Connor accepted that he was in breach of the regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards found D.J. O'Connor was in breach of R.10.3(g)(frequency) and considering his record in this regard (second offence) they suspended him for four racedays. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Showhound (GB), trained by Daniel James Murphy, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. D.J. O'Connor, rider of El Bello (GB), trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was awkward leaving the stalls. (GC & EM)
