'Onwards and upwards' for Sporting Glance Strong-travelling Sporting Glance rewarded favourite backers at 4/1 in Division 2 of the Galway Handicap Hurdle. He tanked into the lead from Mrs Biddle on the run to two out and, although he jumped it well, he touched down just in front of Oogum Boogum. The pair soon poached a lead of more than three lengths over the pursuers and were tussling away turning for home. Sporting Glance led narrowly over the last and was driven clear in the final 150 yards by Danny Gilligan. He made the breakthrough by five and a-half lengths from Oogum Boogum (12/1). Kingkong Ciergues (11/1) and Ballyglass Beauty (10/1) rounded out the placings in third and fourth respectively. “It’s great to get that, I never thought he’d be in the ‘100’ bracket,” trainer Cian Collins said. “I thought he was going to be a very nice horse but he just took a bit of time, he’s a big frame. Hopefully, it’s onwards and upwards with him. “He was impressive in his point-to-point, but took a bit of time. It’s nice to get that done. “We might go to Listowel now for another handicap. “He’s a chaser, he’s a fine big horse. If we could win another one or two over hurdles it would be great.” The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident approaching the second last hurdle involving James The Brave, ridden by D.E. Mullins, unplaced, Tullyhogue Fort, ridden by S.F. O'Keeffe, fell, Oogum Boogum, ridden by S. Fitzgerald, placed second, and Appian Way (FR), ridden by Ms A. Power, placed sixth where it appeared interference occured. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Ms. A. Power stated that she suffered severe pressure from her inside. S.F. O'Keeffe stated that he suffered pressure from both sides. S. Fitzgerald stated that he moved outside the tiring leader at that point of the bend. D.E. Mullins stated that he suffered pressure from both sides. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found S. Fitzgerald, 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. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
