Monaghan seals first winner over fences on Vaureal Vaureal (7/2f) got to grips with long-time-leader Casey West to take the honours in the ladies' handicap chase at Fairyhouse for trainer Ian Donoghue. Caragh Monaghan hunted Vaureal in second behind Casey West on the approach to the straight and although the pursuer wasn't foot perfect in jumping two out, he was coaxed along on the run to the final fence. Monaghan pushed him along to get on terms in tackling the final obstacle and Vaureal soon hit the front on the run-in. In the closing stages, he went on and grabbed the first prize by two and three-quarter lengths in first-time cheekpieces. The runner-up also in first-time cheekpieces was returned at 8/1 and was just over four lengths clear of Slotty Dotty (8/1). Monaghan, who won the Senior Ladies Football Championship with Meath in 2022, said: "It is lovely to get my first winner over fences as well. “I tracked Phidelma (Elvin on Casey West) everywhere, she said she was going to go on. “We had the cheekpieces on him today and he was keen for the first half-mile, but up at Ballyhack he spat it out and I was grand. He was travelling happy everywhere. “Coming down to the third-last, I let him roll into it and he winged it. I grabbed a fresh hold of him then and knew I was travelling alright then. “Jumping the second-last, I took another fresh hold of him because sometimes he doesn’t find a whole lot off the bridle. I didn’t want to take him off it as early as that because I knew he’d just stay galloping. “He winged the last and galloped through the line. “It’s a great day to ride a winner, especially at Fairyhouse as it’s only over the road for me. I’m a Meath girl as well so it’s a great day.” The Raceday Stewards interviewed Miss A. L. Fitzgibbon, rider of fifth-placed Binge Worthy, concerning her use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that she was in breach of the regulation and apologised for her actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Miss A. L. Fitzgibbon was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g (excessive frequency) and having considered her record in this regard (first offence) The Raceday Stewards suspended Miss A. L. Fitzgibbon for three racedays. The Raceday Stewards interviewed Miss G. Benson, rider of sixth-placed Where's Frankie, concerning her use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that she was in breach of the Regulation and apologised for her actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Miss G. Benson was in breach of Regulation 10.3.h (arm above shoulder height) and having considered her record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended Miss G. Benson for two racedays. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
