Birdcatcher now on the agenda for progressive Nakamura After making the breakthrough in first time blinkers on his sixth start at Navan last month, Nakamura followed-up in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Nursery Handicap. Upped 9lb for that Proudstown Park success, the progressive Johnny Murtagh-trained bay was sent off a 9/2 chance (from 6s) this afternoon, carrying the colours of the Brunabonne Syndicate. Making virtually all under Ben Coen, the son of Kodi Bear drifted left towards the nearside rail when ridden with over a furlong to go, keeping on well in the closing stages to post a decisive two-and-a-quarter length success. Running his best race to date, Cisterna (28/1) filled the runner-up spot under Andrew Slattery, while Raphello (14/1) was half-a-length away in third. The easy-to-back Joyful Tidings, who was as short as 5/4 in early shows, and Soy El Fuego (7s early) were returned the 7/2 joint-favourites and they finished fifth and seventh respectively. "He is a tough, likable horse who stuck it out well. He travelled really well in the headgear and, I would think, it is on to the Birdcatcher (in Naas) now," assistant trainer Denis Linehan revealed. "He has improved with racing and with the headgear and is genuine. The syndicate have a few nice horses with us, they have had plenty of luck and are a great bunch of lads." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Raceday Stewards that Raphello trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien was found to be lame on its left fore post race. * Dylan Browne McMonagle, rider of Raphello, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount leaned left and was lame on pulling up. * Gavin Ryan, rider of Fleur De Rose, trained by Donnacha Aidan O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stumbled on leaving the stalls and was short of room one furlong out. The Raceday Stewards reviewed the race and were satisfied that no further action was warranted. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
