Smackwater Jack bridges long gap between wins Eleven-year-old Smackwater Jack gained his first win since January 2019 when successful in the Ladbrokes 'Gaffer Of All Accas' Handicap Hurdle (DIV I) at Punchestown. Eoin Walsh did the steering for 'Sneezy' Foster, in the silks of Canadian owner Jules Sigler. A few had chances until late in the day in this near three miler, and only two and three parts of a length split the first five home. Smackwater Jack edged out favourite Barryroe Madam by half a length. Mrs Foster said:- “He came to me from England and it’s taken a long time for the penny to drop with him and to get through all his little issues. “The talent has always been there if we could get him to want to do it. “He’s just changed inside out this year, it’s brilliant. Eoin gave him a brilliant ride. “I’m so happy for the owner Jules Sigler, if he wasn’t on board with me I would have been gone long ago. He’s got three horses with me all the time and he’s been a great supporter. “He’s a gorgeous horse and he deserves that. “I thought he was a mudlark but it shows that sort of ground is perfect for him. “Whenever they went down to the first hurdle they were going faster than in the Derby today, it was ridiculous the speed. “Eoin gave him a lovely patient ride and came with that one blast at the end.” P. Hanlon, rider of Bob The Builder, trained by R.P.Rath, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped quickly. G. Brouder, rider of Ixigreczed (FR), trained by E.Seymour, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was badly hampered by a faller in the backstraight. The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident passing the stands on the first circuit involving Oogum Boogum, ridden by C.P. Millar, where it appeared Oogum Boogum made slight contact with the rail. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. The Raceday Stewards interviewed L. Quinlan, rider of Kalnoo, concerning his use of the whip in in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted he was in breach of the Whip Regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that L. Quinlan was in breach of R.10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his record in this regard (second offence), they suspended him for four racedays. (GC & EM)
