Sexton strikes again on Shudawudacuddagh Fresh from a double at Roscommon yesterday, Kevin Sexton was again on the mark at Sligo this evening, guiding Shudawudacuddagh to a narrow win in the RSS Record Storage Maiden Hurdle. Beaten 14-lengths into second in a bumper over the course and distance last month, the James Fahey-trained five-year-old raced mainly in fifth and took closer order on the outer approaching the penultimate flight. Travelling best on the run to the last, the 14/1 chance was forced left on the run-in by Saint Peregrine and battled past that rival inside the final 100 yards, coming home half-a-length to the good on what was his debut over flights. The runner-up was 8/1 (from 20s early), under Liam McKenna for John Ryan, while the Mark McNiff-trained Lilac Lady (22/1 from 66s) was another half-a-length back in third. Returned joint-favourites at 3/1, Tom Sarah Evelyn and Quantum Boy finished sixth and eleventh respectively. "He obviously improved a little bit from his bumper. He battled today and maybe he's just learning how to race," said Fahey. "He's a lovely horse for the summer. He's a home-bred and the boys (Joe and Harry Lalor) should have plenty of fun with him. "He'll jump a fence in time." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Saint Peregrine, ridden by L.A. McKenna, placed second and Shudawudacuddagh, ridden by K.C. Sexton, placed first, where it appeared Saint Peregrine drifted into Shudawudacuddagh. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. L.A. McKenna stated that his mount is a tricky ride and when reacting to the stick drifted into Shudawudacuddagh. K.C. Sexton stated that he felt pressure from Saint Peregrine. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that L.A. McKenna was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard (second offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended him for four racedays. * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Quantum Boy, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
