Stede Bonnet completes Bellewstown brace for Elliott Stede Bonnet completed a Bellewstown double for Gordon Elliott, as he just got the better of Garahon in the concluding J.H. McLoughlin Oil INH Flat Race. Successful on his second start at Clonmel last month, the Walk In The Park four-year-old was expected to follow-up this evening and was returned favourite at 13/8 (from 5/2). Settled behind the leaders by Josh Williamson, he took closer order approaching the straight and improved into a share of the lead with over two-furlongs to go. Soon gaining a narrow advantage, he drifted right when ridden and hampered the eventual runner-up, with just half-a-length between them at the line. Drifting from 6/4 to 7/2, John Gleeson was aboard the second for Emmet Mullins, while Paymelater (80/1) was another 12-lengths back in third. "He probably bumped into a smart horse of Emmet's (Mullins, Minella Emperor, in Kilbeggan) first time out and he was lacking experience compared to Emmet's," Williamson explained. "Obviously, impressive the last day and today we went a very good gallop. John McConnell's horse (Jackson Lamb) in front of me just stopped and just left me at it. I was probably vulnerable to be shot at, but he stuck his neck out and he was tough. "Between the 'two' and the 'one' I felt John (Gleeson) coming. I was worried he was going to get past me and he tried hard. "I think Walk In The Park was stamped in him." Elliott, who trains this winner for Agardsley Investments Limited, was earlier successful in the feature with Bowensonfire. STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages of this race involving Stede Bonnet, ridden by Mr J.H. Williamson, placed first and Garahon (FR), ridden by Mr J.L. Gleeson, placed second, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr J.H. Williamson stated that his mount rolled around under pressure but that he had made every effort to correct his mount. Mr J.L. Gleeson stated that he suffered contact on two occasions from Stede Bonnet which caused his mount to become unbalanced and felt that this had cost him the race. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that although interference had occurred, it had not affected the result and made no alteration to the Judge’s placings. The Raceday Stewards were however of the opinion that Mr J.H. Williamson was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his clean record in this regard they suspended him for two racedays. Additional reporting by Michael Graham
