Twist in the tale as Autumn upstages market principals While the betting suggested the Lodge At Ashford Castle Maiden was a two horse race, the Denis Hogan-trained Autumn Twist ultimately upstaged his better fancied rivals. A winner over flights at Killarney last month, the Golden Horn four-year-old failed to make an impact on his most recent start at Listowel. Available at 11/2 in early shows for this near mile-and-a-quarter contest, the Katie & Brian Castle-owned bay proved friendless with punters and was returned at 16/1. While the 8/11 favourite Molto Amichi attempted to make all, the 72-rated victor raced in a close second under Joey Sheridan. Pushed along to tackle the market leader approaching the straight, he got on terms when ridden from the furlong pole and edged to the front inside the final 150 yards, prevailing by half-a-length at the line. The aforementioned Molto Amichi had to settle for second under Colin Keane, while Janes Harbour (11/8) was another length-and-a-quarter back in third. "The ground is easy-good at the moment, which he loved, it was very straightforward and it suited to be up with the pace," Sheridan reported. "He ran away at Listowel the last day over a longer trip when things didn't go his way. "He's a nice horse for hurdles too." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Denis Gerard Hogan, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Autumn Twist, placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainers Authorised Representative Mr. Liam Casey stated that his charge ran very free last time out with an apprentice rider, he furthermore stated that the drop back in trip had also attributed to the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards noted the report given. * The Raceday Stewards received a report from The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that S.P. Davis, rider of Whosethebestboy, weighed in at 133.4lbs having weighed out at 135.2lbs, meaning he was 1.6lbs light. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that he saddled the horse with everything handed over to him and could not account for the discrepancy in weight. Evidence was also heard from the rider concerned, who stated that he intended to use the bathroom prior to weighing out but had ran short of time and did so thereafter. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards disqualified Whosethebestboy who finished seventh in accordance with the provisions of Rule 231(i)(weighed in more than 1lbs light) and ordered that samples be taken from Whosethebestboy for analysis by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer. Furthermore, the Raceday Stewards found S.P. Davis to be in breach of Rule 272(i). Having considered his clean record in this regard, the Raceday Stewards fined him E500. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
