There was plenty of drama both during and after the two mile handicap hurdle where Dustin was disqualified after failing to weigh-in. Paul Hourigan inexplicably forgot to get on the scales when returning to the weighroon after the Donie Hassett-trained gelding had led two out to 'beat' Yash Can Step (Keiran Gaule) by four and a half lengths. Hourigan could offer 'no real explanation', and was suspended for ten racedays (January 6 to 25) and also ordered to forfeit his riding fee.
The visibility was very poor during this race due to fog, and Jimmy Mansell returned with a suspected broken arm. The claimer took a heavy fall in the previous race, and reportedly heard his left arm crack as he approached the first flight aboard The Moyne Machine.
Listowel claimer David O'Leary recorded his first ever double at odds of 87/1 aboard As Royal and I Can Imagine. The Tom Foley-trained As Royal was sent on after halfway in the two and three quarter mile rated hurdle to beat Avondale Illusion by six lengths, while I Can Imagine was left clear by the fall of What An Answer two out to take the mares novice chase.
Karl Wyse joined a select group among present day amateurs by riding out his claim aboard Never More in the two and a quarter mile conditions hurdle. The French import, trained by Edward O'Grady for his mother, Mary, headed the front-running Young American at the penultimate flight before drawing clear to score by eight lengths.
William Codd was another amateur on the mark over hurdles when partnering the always prominent Wyn Wan Soon to a convincing victory in the two mile maiden, while the Mark Grant-ridden Theres No Doubt led inside the final half mile to take the bumper.
Barry Walsh (20) from Killeagh, Co Cork, partnered his first winner when Grange Leader jumped to the front at the last to take the handicap chase.
Alan Magee (Irish Racing Services)
