Casterly Rock just holds on in the finale Well-supported from early shows of 18/1, Casterly Rock just held off State Pension in the concluding Farm & Home Store (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race. Eventually returned at 4/1, the Pat Collins-trained victor made virtually all under Eoghan Finegan and while pressed approaching the straight, he found plenty when ridden with over a furlong to go, just holding on to prevail by a nose. From 6s early, the Harry Kelly-trained runner-up was sent off a 9/4 joint-favourite on debut and after being switched left from the furlong pole, he was agonisingly denied. Drifting from evens, Lady Lena was three-and-three-quarters of a length away in third, with this Willie Mullins-trained bay the other joint-favourite. "He was very unlucky the first day he ran, greenness beat him. He's learned his job and put his head down there," Co Down based Collins reflected. "I'm delighted for Eoghan, he's a real good young fella and has a good head on his shoulders. "I was disappointed with the first horse (Champagne Kid, third) I ran today but this made up for it. "He's a pure national hunt jumping horse and will go over hurdles now." Owned by Sean Mulholland, the five-year-old victor was fourth on his first two starts, finishing a well-beaten fifth when last seen at Gowran in March. STEWARDS REPORTS The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr D.M. Fitzgerald, rider of Carrig Padraig, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted he was in breach of the whip regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Mr D.M. Fitzgerald was in breach of R.10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his clean record in this regard, they suspended him for two racedays. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
