Small Town a Hero on first start for new connections On his first start for Ian Donoghue and the Kilkenny Racing Syndicate, Small Town Hero made all in the Roscommon Herald Handicap Hurdle. Previously in the care of Christian Williams and bought by current connections for 7,000 pounds, the Jet Away five-year-old was last seen finishing third over fences at Southwell in May. The winner of a point-to-point when in the care of John Staunton and subsequently sold for 75,000 pounds, he was fitted with cheekpieces for the first time today. Blundering four out, he was tackled by Spellacy's Cross from the last, but battled on gamely under Conor Stone-Walsh, coming home half-a-length to the good. The runner-up was returned at 11/1 under Kieran Callaghan for Jimmy Barcoe, while The Striker Dylan (11/1) and Smackwater Jack (7/1) were third and fourth respectively. Well-supported from 13/2, Arrycan was the other joint-favourite, but he weakened quickly from six out and pulled up before the next. "He's a nice horse. We picked him out at Doncaster. I won't lie he was the last on our list and the only one we could afford with the money they were making over there," Donoghue revealed. "I was there the day he won his point-to-point and he looked very honest and hardy, he got up to win that day. "His runs in England were obviously poor enough, over shorter trips. "Keith (Donoghue, brother) rode him work two weeks ago and said whatever you do don't run this horse under three miles so that's what we did. He jumped and galloped. "Conor knows him well. He comes into us a day a week and is a good help. "It's the boys' (Kilkenny Racing Syndicate) first horse so they've been lucky now. They are next door to Joseph O'Brien so it's nice to rob an owner from down there!" STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards fined John Joseph Hanlon, trainer, E65 for failing fit the declared cheekpieces to Keep It Cool, prior to entering the parade ring. * P.T. Enright, rider of Somerset Hill, trained by Leonard Paul Flynn, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount pulled up having burst a blood vessel. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Somerset Hill and confirmed the animal to have blood at both nostrils post race. * P. Hanlon, rider of Keep It Cool, trained by John Joseph Hanlon, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was hampered with a circuit to go. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Arrycan, trained by Liam P Cusack, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. * Miss G. Benson, rider of What A Flirth, trained by Peter John Flood, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount never travelled. * The Raceday Stewards interviewed K. Callaghan, rider of Spellacy's Cross, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was in breach of the regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that he was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g (excessive frequency) and having considered his record in this regard (third offence), the Raceday Stewards suspended K. Callaghan for nine racedays. * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Raceday Stewards that Spellacy's Cross trained by James M. Barcoe, lost a left hind shoe in running. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
