Neolithic makes all in first time cheekpieces After two disappointing efforts, first time cheekpieces had the desired effect on Neolithic (9/1), as he made all in the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Race. Drawn in one, the Aidan O'Brien-trained bay, who was bought for 210,000 pounds as a foal, was ridden from the two-furlong pole. Ultimately finding plenty for pressure under Wayne Lordan, he drew clear inside the final 200 yards and came home three-lengths to the good. Placed on his first two starts, the easy-to-back Howd'yadoit (13/2 from 10/3 early) had to settle for the runner-up berth. Returned the 10/11 favourite after finishing second on debut at the Curragh, The Piper's Call couldn't match the winner with over a furlong two go, and was another two-and-three-quarters of a length back in third. "He obviously had two runs coming in here and disappointed but he was just very raw," stable representative Chris Armstrong explained. "He worked very well last Saturday and Aidan put the cheekpieces on him just to help him concentrate. "Wayne gave him a lovely ride, jumped out and made his mind up. From halfway he just kept building every furlong and they never got to him. "He's a horse that has shown plenty of ability at home and I think we’re starting to see it now. "He's not in the Railway but we'll have plenty of options over six during the summer. "It's grand that he's got the win, it'll do his confidence good." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards granted permission for Just A City Boy to run in accordance with the provision of Rule 90(v) as a positive identification could be made despite the discrepancies in the markings as recorded in the Passport. The Trainer has 30 days to update the passport to the satisfaction of an IHRB Veterinary Officer/Assistant. * The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident at the furlong pole involving Sir Alfie, ridden by Nicola Burns, placed fourth, and Howd'yadoit, ridden by R. Whearty, placed second, where it appeared Howd'yadoit drifted left momentarily. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Nicola Burns stated that she felt contact from her right at the furlong pole which didn't affect her. R. Whearty stated his mount dived away from the whip but he corrected him immediately with his reins. Under further questioning, Nicola Burns conceded that the interference had affected her in that it cost her third place. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards took no further action other than to remind Nicola Burns of her obligation under rule 213 (to report in the first instance anything that may have affected the running of her horse). Furthermore, they advised her to give full and accurate evidence at enquiries in future. * The Raceday Stewards requested a report from A.P.O'Brien, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Neolithic, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Chris Armstrong, Authorised Representative for A.P. O'Brien reported that the application of first time cheekpieces may have contributed to the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation given. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
