Harnett makes the breakthrough on I Bid You Ajou I Bid You Ajou provided Abbeyfeale native Joe Harnett with a memorable first success in the Dino Day 9th July Handicap. Making the breakthrough over the course and distance last week and upped 7lb as a result, that rise was offset by Harnett's 10lb claim. Returned at 6/1 this evening, the Mark Fahey-trained four-year-old tracked the leaders, before being driven to the front with just over a furlong to go. Keeping on well from there, the Pabiroco Syndicate-owned victor was a length to the good at the line, with Carrigans Grove (4/1f), who met with some trouble in running, filling the runner-up spot under Gary Carroll. Returned at 5/1, Distillate finished two-and-a-quarter lengths away in third, while Mark's One (50/1) was another length-and-three-quarters back in fourth, on what was his debut for Michael Cleary. "We were hoping for a good run today and we knew he liked the trip and the ground. We came back here again and took the weight off him," Harnett, who is a brother of established apprentice Paddy, reflected. "He jumped well and was where I wanted to be. I got a gap after coming around the bend and he quickened up well. It was some buzz! "I'm from Abbeyfeale, County Limerick and my father always had mares and a few horses at home." For his part, Fahey added: "Joe is with me about six months. He rides well, is a good worker and I'm hoping he can kick on from here and get some outside rides as he deserves it. "He's good value for his 10lb claim and was very good on the horse there today. "Shane Foley told us after riding him in the Curragh to get him around a bend and let him roll." STEWARDS REPORTS * Adam Caffrey, rider of Distillate (GB), trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount had no luck in running. * P. McGettigan, rider of Hezahunk, trained by Patrick J. McKenna, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly right in the straight. * The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident at approximately the two furlong pole involving Mark's One, ridden by J. Cleary, placed fourth, Hezahunk, ridden by P. McGettigan, unplaced and American In Paris, ridden by J.M. Sheridan, unplaced, where it appeared horses came together. Evidence was heard from the rider's concerned. J. Cleary stated that he took back for a stride to avoid contact and went for a gap when clear. P. McGettigan stated that his mount had hung badly right and that he had made every attempt to straighten up. J.M. Sheridan stated that his mount had run flat and over exaggerated when things became tight. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. * Nicola Burns, rider of Hastily (GB), trained by Tom McGuinness, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that she had no luck in running. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards accepted the rider’s explanation and took no further action. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
