St Lawrence's Well takes the season finale at Kilbeggan A fine second on his racecourse debut at Cork last month, St Lawrence's Well went a place better in the concluding End Of Season Celebration (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race. The winner of a point-to-point when in the care of Denis Ahern, the Idaho five-year-old was sent off an 11/4 chance this evening, with successful trainer Declan Queally aboard. In front for the vast majority of this extended two-mile three-furlong heat, the bay victor was ridden with over a furlong to go and kept finding for pressure, ultimately coming home five-and-a-half lengths to the good. The locally trained Red Oak (4/1) had to settle for second under Alan O'Sullivan, while Muted Melody (25/1) made good late headway to finish a never nearer third. Drifting from 6/4 to 5/2, but still returned favourite, Wartime Leader faded in the closing stages and eventually finished a disappointing fifth. "That was great. I met his owner, James Boyce, in college and we got to know each other over the odd pint. There was something good that came out of college anyway, an owner!" Queally quipped. "James is a friend of mine and he got the lads together and we bought this horse off Denis Ahern, the man who had Native River. "I rode out for Denis when I was a young lad. The horse went out unsold and he came up and told me to buy him, that he would win a bumper. I took his word for it. "He's improved no end. He won't run in another bumper now, he'll be put away for a hurdle in about six weeks. "It's nice to get a bumper, he'll be a three miler down the road. "He's a nice horse, clear winded and goes well. I'm delighted." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards enquired of Declan Queally, trainer, regarding his failure to nominate a rider in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 3.1. The trainer reported that there was a delay in the process of issuing the licence of his intended rider Mr. D.L. Queally and he had been in contact with the offices of the IHRB. Having considered the report, the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation given and on this occasion granted permission for Mr. D.L. Queally to ride St Lawrence’s Well, under the provisions of Rule 10.i. * Mr J.W. Hendrick, rider of The Monkey Pole, trained by N Dooly, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped very quickly. * Mr A.P. Ryan, rider of Luck Between Us, trained by Donncha Duggan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount clipped heels with a circuit to go. Having viewed the recording of the race, the Raceday Stewards noted the report given and were satisfied that no further action was warranted. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
