Stone-Walsh combines with uncle Benny for Wexford win

Combining with his uncle Benny Walsh, Conor Stone-Walsh guided Mena’s Miracle to a four-length win in the second divide of the Clearwater Construction Handicap Hurdle.

A runner-up when last seen at Tramore in May, the Jet Away six-year-old was returned at 8/1 this afternoon, carrying the colours of owner/breeder Peter Aspel.

Tracking the leaders on the outer and soon improving in second, the 78-rated bay made further headway to lead on the downhill run after three out.

Ridden and skipping clear before the final flight, she ultimately came home four-lengths to the good.

While Onebrightbluerose (15/2) finished filled the runner-up spot, she was later disqualified after Darragh O’Keeffe weighed in light.

The Paul Nolan-trained Hatfield Hammer and Pat Fahey’s Spanish John (12/1) were promoted to second and third respectively.

"She ran a blinder the last day. We were a bit disappointed, she just got lonely in front on her own and I thought the same thing was going to happen here," the winning trainer, who is based in the nearby village of Tomhaggard, commented.

"She won well in the end and when she sees a fence, she'll be better again.

"It's great to have a horse for these kind of races and she wants a bit of good ground. If the ground stays the way it is, she'll keep running away.

"We just have to keep her healthy and in the one piece. Hopefully we'll get her over fences before the ground gets soft.

"Peter is with us since we started and it's great for him. He is a farmer up from Ballinaboola and I'm delighted for him and his wife Mena, that's where the name comes from."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards granted a request from Brendan Oliver Walsh, trainer of Menas Miracle for an additional ten minutes to present his charge for identification by an IHRB Veterinary Officer in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90(i).

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Aussie Warrior trained by Thomas R. Hughes, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were also taken for further analysis.

The Raceday Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Onebrightbluerose, placed second, weighed in at 156.5lbs having weighed out at 158lbs, meaning he was 1.5lbs light. Evidence was heard from Patrick Cronin trainer, who stated that when saddling his charge, he forgot to add the weight cloth which he then found in the saddling box following the race. Evidence was also heard from the rider concerned, who stated that he weighed out with the correct equipment and was unaware that his weight cloth was missing when weighing in. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards disqualified Onebrightbluerose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 231(i) (weighed in more than 1lbs light) and amended result is as follows:

Furthermore, the Raceday Stewards found trainer Patrick Cronin to be in breach of Rule 148(i)(a trainer shall be responsible for everything connected with the welfare, training and running of all Horses under their care). Having considered his clean record in this regard, the Raceday Stewards fined him E500.