Kotkito Bello makes the breakthrough in Thurles opener Registering a first career win, Kotkito Bello led home 10 rivals in the opener at Thurles this afternoon, the Racing Again November 20th Beginners Chase. Placed on two of his last three starts, the Philip Rothwell-trained five-year-old was sent off at 4/1 in the colours of Oliver Barden. Racing mainly in second under Tiernan Power Roche, he took over at the head of affairs two fences from the finish and ultimately found plenty for pressure, coming home three-and-a-half lengths to the good. Returned the 3/1 favourite, Stoneyford Lady couldn't match the winner from before the last and had to settle for the runner-up berth under Darragh O'Keeffe. Michael Cleary's Figurehead (22/1) was another four-and-a-quarter lengths back in third, while Menas Miracle (9/2 from 13/2) finished fifth, after running short of room approaching the straight and again before the last. "He is a 98-rated hurdler so the race conditions suited. These races are a great idea and are very competitive races," Rothwell enthused. "We bought him cheaply out of the point-to-points when he had lost his way. I had seen him run in points and felt he wasn't staying three miles, so felt he might be better over short trips. "He looks a fun horse for the winter and with an ease in the ground, he'll be a bit better." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident on the bend turning into the straight involving Kotkito Bello (FR), ridden by T. Power Roche, placed first, Menas Miracle, ridden by C. Stone-Walsh, unplaced, and Mount Shenshan, ridden by D.E. Mullins, unplaced, where it appeared Menas Miracle ran short on room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. T. Power Roche said he maintained his line and didn't feel he contributed to the incident. C. Stone-Walsh said he went for a gap on the inside but ran short of room. D.E. Mullins said he rode his line to the rail and didn't expect a horse to come on his inside. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards took no further action. * J.C. Gainford, rider of Laurie Blue, trained by E. D. Delany, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was never happy. * C. Stone-Walsh, rider of Menas Miracle, trained by Brendan Oliver Walsh, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran short of room on the turn into the straight. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
