Lahore Da King bounces back to form under Geerdharry With Yudish Geerdharry aboard, Lahore Da King bounced back from a disappointing effort at Dundalk last month, as he registered a third career win in the Boyle Sports Handicap. Trained by Tony Mullins, the Sands Of Mali four-year-old raced towards rear early, making good progress on the outer approaching halfway. Ridden and in a share of the lead with two-furlongs to go, the 67-rated chestnut outfought Mehman inside the final 150 yards, with a length-and-a-quarter between them at the line. The runner-up was returned at 12/1 under Luke McAteer for Pat Murphy, with Summer Island (4/1) a further two-and-a-half lengths back in third. Sent off the 7/2 favourite (from 7s early), Goldrush Kid was soon in front under Jack Kearney, but went wrong approaching halfway and was quickly pulled up, hampering Lohengrin who was subsequently brought down. "He has (been doing well on the all-weather). The last time I rode the horse was in Gowran Park and I did say to Iqbal (Khan, regular jockey and owner's father-in-law) that Dundalk would be his kind of surface. He got two wins and a few places up there," Geerdharry reflected. "I rode him work two weeks ago and he was going well. "Today, the ground was a bit of a worry, but he got through it. It got messy around the bend which helped me as I was able to get around them quicker. When I gave him a kick, he picked up and fought to the line well." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Anthony Mullins, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Lahore Da King, placed first, as compared with its most recent run. M. Rafiq, Representative for Anthony Mullins stated that their charge had disappointed on its last start on the back of three quick runs but a break prior to today's run may have helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation given. Furthermore. the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Anthony Mullins was in breach of Rule 147 (v), in that he had failed to appoint an Authorised Representative, and having considered his record in this regard they fined Anthony Mullins E130 on this occasion. * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Goldrush Kid, trained by Patrick Magee, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have blood at both nostrils post race. * B.M. Coen, rider of Bay Of Dreams, trained by Ciaran Murphy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was badly hampered coming out of the back straight. * J.M. Sheridan, rider of Kakori, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was brought out of the race on the bottom bend. The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident on the top bend involving Bay Of Dreams, ridden by B.M. Coen, Lohengrin (GB), ridden by J.A. Heffernan, Kakori, ridden by J.M. Sheridan, and Goldrush Kid, ridden by J. Kearney, where it appeared Goldrush Kid dropped back through the field and two horses were brought down. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. B. M. Coen stated that his mount was hampered as the horses dropped back. J. A. Heffernan stated that he was brought down by a faller on the flat. J. M. Sheridan stated that he was badly hampered. J. Kearney stated that his mount burst a blood vessel and stopped very quickly before coming down. 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. Additional reporting by Michael Graham
