Evolution strikes for O'Callaghan & Powell After a good tussle from the furlong pole, Michael O'Callaghan's Red Evolution just got the better of Jorge Alvares in the Follow Us On Social Media Handicap. A 300,000 pound purchase at the Craven Breeze Up Sale and successful on his sixth start at Dundalk in January, the successful Mehmas gelding finished eighth when last seen at Lingfield. Well-supported from 10s to 5s this evening, the John Kirkland-owned chestnut improved to dispute the lead with over a furlong to go and ultimately saw it out best to prevail by a short head. Returned the 2/1 favourite, the aforementioned Jorge Alvares had to settle for the runner-up berth, while the front-running Lethimfly (10/1 from 20s early) was two-and-a-half lengths back in third. "We liked him last year but he just lost his way and we gelded him. That straightened him out and then he won his maiden at Dundalk very well earlier in the year," O'Callaghan reflected. "We went to Lingfield in February and things didn't pan out as the track isn't as fast as we expected the surface to be and the six furlongs took a good bit of getting. It was a very good race, he got lost and didn't get the run of the race. "We had this race in mind for a while and he likes to dictate races, as he is a confident horse. He got headed so showed a very willing attitude and Jamie was very good on him, as he pulled his stick through at the right time. "I'm delighted for his owners as, after his first run, we were dreaming but the wheels fell off a little bit but he is two-from-three this year so things are looking up." STEWARDS REPORTS * Nicola Burns, rider of Sarahmae, trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount reared when the gates opened and was slowly out. * The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident at around the one furlong marker involving Jorge Alvares, ridden by C.T. Keane, placed second, Bobbi Rosa (GB), ridden by S. Coen, unplaced and Lethimfly, ridden by R. Whearty, placed third, where it appeared Bobbi Rosa clipped a heel of Lethimfly. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. C.T. Keane stated that his mount is not straightforward and shifted right slightly when making his move forward. S. Coen stated that his mount caught the heel of Lethimfly. R. Whearty stated that his mount overreacted as Jorge Alvares went by. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards did not apportion blame to any rider and took no further action. * C.D. Hayes, rider of Tropical Retreat, trained by Thomas Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount reared as the gates opened,was badly left behind and his saddle slipped. * S. Foley, rider of Beauty Queen, trained by Gerard O'Leary, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran a bit keen. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
