Bentraghhill makes it four on the day for Mullins After registering a treble at Limerick, Bentraghhill made it four on the day for Willie Mullins in the concluding Forest Fest INH Flat Race at Leopardstown. Third in a Fairyhouse point-to-point when in the care of Cormac Abernethy, with opening race winner Lazare De Star second, the Getaway bay was subsequently bought by current connections for E150,000. As short as 8/11 earlier in the day, the Vincent Caldwell and Glenn Loxton-owned four-year-old eventually went off a 2/1 chance under Jody Townend and tracked the leaders on the outer. Improving to the front approaching the straight, he found plenty when ridden with less than two furlongs to go and ultimately eased to a four-and-a-quarter length win. From 16s early, Nine Toes Tim (13/2) came through to take second under Stephen Connor for Stuart Crawford, while Lemmy Caution (6/5f, from 10/3 earlier) was four lengths back in third. "I was expecting that. I was amazed that Patrick didn't make it back up from Limerick to ride him here," said Mullins. "He had shown me plenty at home and I was very happy." When asked if he'd rank among his better horses, he added:- "On what he did there, he must. He's a nice type, a big chasing type and I'm very happy with him. "He'll stay in bumpers and go jumping next season." STEWARDS REPORTS The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident turning into the home straight involving Figero, ridden by Mr C. Mullins, unplaced, Lemmy Caution (FR), ridden by Mr J.H. Williamson, placed third, Any News For Me, ridden by Mr B.M. Coonan, unplaced, and Rush Slowly, ridden by Mr S. Cavanagh, unplaced, where it appeared Any News For Me and Rush Slowly ran short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr C. Mullins stated that he received contact from the horse on his outer forcing him into the horses on his inside. Mr J. H. Williamson stated that it was general bunching and added that there was not room for the horse on his inside to go for the gap. He further added that he felt that the two horses in front of him had contyributed to the incident. Mr B. M. Coonan stated that he got squeezed from his outside forcing him to take back. Mr S. Cavanagh stated that he received pressure from his outside. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found Mr J. H. Williamson was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard (third offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended Mr J. H. Williamson for eight racedays. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
