Dramatic Dalmatic digs deep under Noonan Despite dramatically veering left on the approach to the final flight, Dalmatic (15/2 from 18s early) got back up in the final strides to claim the D Pack Packaging Handicap Hurdle at Limerick. Getting in as a reserve and sporting first-time blinkers, the William O'Doherty-trained five-year-old raced in second and improved to the front approaching the penultimate obstacle. Hampering the front-running Likable Chancer when veering left on the run to the last, he was soon headed by the patiently-ridden Gaelic Des Chastys. However, the Nevilles Cross Syndicate-owned victor rallied gamely under a strong Gary Noonan drive on the run-in and was a nose in front on crossing the line. The aforementioned Gaelic Des Chastys (3/1f from 8s early) had to settle for second under Paddy O'Brien for Eric McNamara, while Likable Chancer (40/1) and Great Island (12/1) were third and fourth respectively. "The last day I rode him in Cork it was a great run, he flew home. I thought today with the more testing ground and the blinkers, he'd nearly win," Noonan reflected. "He kind of lost his footing. It looks bad on the TV, but he literally put his foot in a hole and kind of fell away. "When I got him straightened up and I saw Eric (McNamara)'s horse coming by me, I was fairly confident he'd pick up. He always keeps a bit for himself. "It's great as it is a local syndicate. "I'd say he's a horse that will jump a fence as well." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Likable Chancer, ridden by S. O'Callaghan, and Dalmatic, ridden by G.B. Noonan where it appeared contact was made. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. S O' Callaghan stated that he was badly interfered with on approaching the last hurdle. G. B Noonan stated that his mount hung left. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found G B Noonan was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard(second offence)the Raceday Stewards suspended him for twelve racedays. In relation to the penalty the Raceday Stewards imposed a higher sanction due to the severe nature of the incident. * The Raceday Stewards interviewed G.B. Noonan, rider of Dalmatic, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated he misjudged the amount of times he used his whip. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that G B Noonan was in breach of R10.3 (g)(frequency) and having considered his record in this regard(first offence), the Raceday Stewards suspended him for two racedays. * S. O'Callaghan, rider of Likable Chancer, trained by Daniel John Howard, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was badly hampered before the last hurdle. * G.B. Noonan, rider of Dalmatic, trained by W.J. O'Doherty, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount lost his footing for a stride in the straight. * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Opposite Ends, trained by C.Byrnes, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
