The Cathal Don and Sean Flanagan clear the last© Photo Healy Racing
Fusain (6/5 favourite, finished at the rear) and The Cathal Don represented Henry de Bromhead in race two at Tipperary, and it was the last-named that completed a quick double for the Waterford handler in the Tipperary Racecourse Beginners Chase.
In the hands of Sean Flanagan, the 8/1 victor (from 10s) made his second start over racecourse fences a winning one, by eight and a half lengths from Poseidon
"He had some really good hurdle runs and I was disappointed with him the first day at Clonmel, but as much as he wants good ground, it may have been too quick there. It may also have been a lack of experience but he travelled and jumped much better today,” said de Bromhead.
"I'm delighted for Richard Frayne who let me go chasing with him - I just hoped he'd improve for a fence and it looks like he has.
"Fusain stopped very quickly so we'll have to have a look at him. He is disappointing for a horse who works very well at home." Havingagoodtime won the opener on the card for de Bromhead with Darragh O’Keeffe up.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Our Madgie trained by Robert Tyner was found to have blood at both nostrils post race, possibly as a result of exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage.
At the request of the Stewards, K.J. Brouder, rider of Stormey trained by Patrick G.Kelly, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was flat out and unable to lie up in the early stages and jumped right throughout before staying on in the closing stage.
The Stewards received a report from Ms. A. O'Keeffe, Veterinary Assistant, in relation to the behaviour of Mr. Stephen Mahon, Authorised Representative and travelling head lad for P. G. Kelly, Trainer of Stormey, while a post race sample was being taken from Stormey by order of the Stewards.
Evidence was heard from Ms. A. O'Keeffe and Mr. Stephen Mahon.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Security Officer, Mr. D. Buckley also attended this enquiry.
Ms. A. O'Keeffe stated that Mr. Stephen Mahon was interfering in the sampling process by insisting that she turn the tumbler used to collect the urine sample upside down to prove that there was nothing in it, prior to the sample being taken and that he was reluctant to leave the sampling unit and observe the sampling process on the screen situated outside the testing unit, when asked to do so. She added that the interference had caused her to miss the opportunity to take a urine sample from Stormey.
Furthermore, she stated that he was not wearing a face mask, as required by the Covid 19 protocols for racing.
Mr. Stephen Mahon stated that he had asked to see that the tumbler was empty prior to the sample being taken and furthermore found it strange that Stormey was selected for sampling being a non winner. He added that he did leave the sampling unit when asked to do so and that he had his face mask on all day.
The Stewards on observing that Mr. Mahon was not wearing his face mask during this enquiry ordered him to use it as part of the protocols.
Having considered the report and the evidence, the Stewards referred the matter to the C.E.O of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board for further investigation.
(TW & EM)
