Wink seals a double for Murtagh & Coen Cheeky Wink completed a double for Johnny Murtagh and Ben Coen, as she comfortably accounted for 14 rivals in the concluding TipperaryRacecourse.ie Handicap. Successful on her second start at Gowran this time last year and running well without adding to her tally in five starts since, she was sent off a 6/1 chance this evening. Settled behind the leaders on the inner, the bay victor made progress when pushed along approaching the straight. Soon taken off the rail, she came with her challenge on the outer from the two furlong pole and was ridden to the front with over a furlong to go, keeping on well from there to score by three-and-a-quarter lengths. Slightly hampered by the winner in the straight, Rock Of Ireland (13/2) finished second under Luke McAteer for Alan McIntyre, while the never nearer The Banger Doyle (11/1) was another three-lengths away in third. Sent off the 7/2 favourite, Ard Na Mara faded tamely in the straight and eventually trailed home in fourteenth. "She had a lovely draw and I was hoping going a mile and a half would bring about another bit of improvement," Murtagh, who took the fifth with Onemoredance, commented. "I initially thought she was a miler or a mile and one, but she has strengthened up over the winter and racing over that distance on that ground is probably ideal. "Ben said he was tight for room turning in but was going so well he was able to make his own gap. She is a homebred, we thought a bit of her last year and the owners (Barnane Stud) kept her in this year hoping for blacktype. "The horses are running very well but it is only April." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Ard Na Mara, trained by J. S. Bolger, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. * The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident just outside the one furlong pole involving Cheeky Wink, ridden by B.M. Coen, placed first, and Rock Of Ireland, ridden by L.T. McAteer, placed second, where it appeared contact was made. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. B.M. Coen stated that his mount drifted slightly but that he had quickly corrected his mount. L.T. McAteer stated that his mount shied away from Cheeky Wink. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, The Raceday Stewards were satisfied that B.M. Coen had made reasonable attempts to correct his mount and that no further action was warranted. * B.M. Coen, rider of Cheeky Wink, trained by J.P. Murtagh, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran around a little when she hit the front. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
