Lovely Reaction and Mark Walsh pop the last© Photo Healy Racing
Lovely Reaction was another wide-margin winner on Leopardstown's card as she sailed home in the QuinnBet Mares' Handicap Hurdle.
The six-year-old mare was always prominent and picked up a narrow lead after two out. She asserted for Mark Walsh before the last and wasn't troubled in coming home by nine lengths at 6/1. Pipers Boreen (7/1) grabbed a runner-up prize and was a length and a-quarter in front of Blossom De Mai (18/1).
“She's been a nice mare all the time and I thought she couldn't get beat the last day,” said Tom Mullins.
“For some reason she hung the whole way with Simon Torrens last time, he said he had two hands on one rein.
“We just gave her a bit of time off, a couple of easy weeks, and started off again.
“She's done it like I thought she would have done it in Fairyhouse the last day.
“She's a lovely mare by Walk In The Park. We'll keep her to two-and-a-half or three miles and probably looks for another handicap before going chasing after that.
“She has a mark over fences, she ran over fences in Clonmel.”
Lovely Reaction's sole other victory came in a handicap hurdle at Limerick in January last year.
The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident shortly after the start involving Champella ridden by T.P. Harney, unplaced, Optional Mix ridden by S. O'Callaghan, unplaced, Bestaline (FR), ridden by J.W. Kennedy, unplaced, Doyenna ridden by J.J. Slevin, unplaced, Circus Act ridden by G. Brouder, placed fourth, and Magic Conqueror ridden by Mr Alan O'Sullivan, placed sixth, where it appeared several horses ran short of room and Bestaline clipped a heel. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. T. P. Harney stated that he had no where to go and had to take back. S. O'Callaghan stated that he thought he was clear when he crossed but accepted that he was not and apologised. J. W. Kennedy stated that he received pressure from the outside, tried to hold his position and let a shout but clipped a heel and was lucky to stay up. J. J. Slevin stated that he did not receive interference. G. Brouder stated that things got tight. Mr. Alan O'Sullivan stated that he received pressure from the outside. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that S. O'Callaghan was in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended S. O'Callaghan for four racedays.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
