Oh So Charming just prevails in Clonmel feature There was a thrilling conclusion to the feature Bulmers Original Handicap Hurdle, with just over a length separating the first four home. Fourth at Listowel on Monday last, the Sean Browne-owned Oh So Charming (5/1) was the one who came out on top. Given a patient ride by Paddy O'Brien, the 109-rated bay took closer order on the outer approaching the straight and was ridden in a share of second on the run to the penultimate flight. Carried left on the run-in by My Gaffer, he battled on gamely and was a short head in front of that rival on crossing the line. The runner-up was returned a 5/2 joint-favourite, with Popova just three-quarters of a length back in third. There was a neck back to Colleen Danu in fourth, with this one the other joint-favourite. "Sean bought this lad for a grand over in Newmarket last year and he had wind surgery and it improved him a lot," winning trainer Declan Queally commented. "He is a grand horse, he'll win away and has improved mentally, as he has settled down. Sean had been patient so I'm delighted for him. "Kevin (Sexton) rode for Pat Foley in the race so Gary Cribbin (agent) recommended Paddy, who hadn't ever ridden for me. He gave him a good ride, put him to sleep and it worked lovely." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Popova, ridden by M.P. O'Connor, placed third, My Gaffer, ridden by L.A. McKenna, placed second, and Oh So Charming (GB), ridden by P.M. O'Brien, placed first, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. P.M. O'Brien stated that he received contact from his inside. M.P. O'Connor stated that he received contact from his inside which he felt cost him a place. L.A. McKenna stated that his mount tried to go for the yard but felt he had corrected it immediately. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that while My Gaffer had caused slight interference to Popova, he did not improve his finishing position as a result of this interference so they made no alteration to the Judge’s placings. They were, however, of the opinion that L.A. McKenna was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his clean record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended him for two racedays. * The Raceday Stewards wished to interview F. Brickley, rider of Fils d'Oudairies, involving the riders first approach to the Starter. However as he had left the racecourse prior to ten minutes after the winner alright had been announced as required under Rule 229(v), the Raceday Stewards referred F. Brickley to the Referrals Commitee to consider whether a breach of Rule 208 or 229 had occurred. * M.P. O'Connor, rider of Popova, trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was carried wide up the straight. * P.M. O'Brien, rider of Oh So Charming (GB), trained by Declan Queally, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was carried left. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
