Satono Chevalier scores again for Flannery Satono Chevalier continued on a sharp upward curve with a third win this season when taking the Racing Again On 2nd July Handicap at Limerick. The eight-year-old gelding won at Navan in March for Aidan Melia before joining Michael Flannery and scored again at Ballinrobe last month. A combined rise of 13lb for those victories proved no barrier here as the 9/1 shot led over a furlong out under Paddy Harnett and held off the renewed effort of Chemdawg by half a length. Eben Zaabel caught the eye staying on late just three-quarters of a length back in third. Locally based Flannery said, “It is grand to win a local race, and the ground came up right. I thought he was a bit flat during the week so I wasn't going to run him, but the ground was in his favour and everything else was good. "He is what he is and if he gets half-left alone (by the handicapper), he might win another one somewhere along the line. We might have Listowel in mind in September too." The Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Eben Zaabeel (GB), ridden by J.A. Heffernan, and trained by A.J.Martin. Evidence was heard from the rider and the trainers Authorised Representative, Ms. Cathy O'Leary. J.A. Heffernan stated that his instructions were to try and get his mount to relax and not to be amongst horses. He stated that his mount has a wind problem and he kept filling him up to come home well. He added that he is a free going horse who wears a tongue tie and was delighted with the run. He further added that his mount has been running too free in his previous runs and wasn't coming home. When questioned on his riding in the straight, he stated that he used his whip twice and kept a straight line up the straight. Ms. Cathy O'Leary confirmed the instructions given and expressed her satisfaction with the ride. She added that he is a very head strong horse who would be hard to settle on the ground and she was happy with both the ride and the run. The Raceday Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were taken for further analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found J.A. Heffernan and A.J. Martin in breach of Rule 212(A)(ii)(failing to obtain from the Horse timely, real and substantial efforts to achieve the best possible place). Having considered J.A. Heffernans clean record in this regard, they suspended him for fourteen racedays and ordered him to forfeit his riding fee. Having considered A.J. Martins clean record in this regard, they fined him €3000. Furthermore, they suspended Eben Zaabeel for 60 days in accordance with the provisions of Rule 212(c)(d). Quotes by Tom Weekes
