Old-timers boss the Bar & Off Licence

Old-timers were dominant in the Foleys Bar & Off Licence Handicap Hurdle at Sligo as eleven-year-old Sargent Lightfoot beat fellow eleven-year-old Jack Holiday with the pair leaving younger rivals likes Pahlavi and Smallcraftwarning in their wake.

This extended two mile one furlong contest really developed from the second last flight. 

Jack Holiday was soon making the best of his way home but he had no answer to the Adrian Murray-trained and Kieren Buckley-ridden Sargent Lightfoot on the run-in, two and a half lengths eventually separating them.

“I was thinking when I was pulling up that he rides like a five-year-old. He has loads of enthusiasm and it’s lovely to ride a horse like that - a complete pro and still loves the game," reported Buckley.

“I felt like I had plenty coming to the last. Adrian (Murray) and Phillip Enright told me he doesn’t find too much off the bridle, but he’s found plenty today.

“His hurdling was brilliant today. He’s 6lb lower over hurdles than fences and was entitled to win off that mark.”

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Shudawudacuddagh trained by James Andrew Fahey, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be have lost a right hind shoe in running and to have a delayed recovery.

H.E. Sexton, rider of Smallcraftwarning, trained by John Patrick Ryan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount suffered interference before the home bend.

G. Brouder, rider of Bossing It trained by David M.O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident before the home bend involving Shudawudacuddagh, ridden by K.C. Sexton, unplaced, Bossing It, ridden by G. Brouder, placed sixth and Smallcraftwarning, ridden by H.E. Sexton, placed fourth where it appeared interference took place. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. K.C. Sexton stated that he received pressure from the outside which caused his mount to overreact. G. Brouder stated that his mount lugged in coming around the bend but that he had made every effort to straighten and correct his mare. H.E. Sexton stated that he felt pressure from the outside. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found G. Brouder, 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.

(AM & EM)