Trainer Brendan Walsh secures first Flat success Liamo chose a good day to put his best foot forward for connections, as he landed the James Collins Memorial Handicap at Listowel in the hands of Wayne Hassett. Backed from 18/1 into 12/1 and from bigger earlier, Liamo wasn't as alertly away as some of his rivals, and after a patient steer made progress on the outer from over a furlong out. He eventually got there towards the finish to gain a three parts of a length win, over another of the 'finishers,' Dinamine. "He liked the ground and holding on to him seems to be the way to ride him. We're getting to know him and he likes coming with one run," revealed successful trainer Brendan Walsh. "It's nice for his owners who are two brothers from Abbeyfeale, so they got it in their backyard. They previously owned Dunguib and either sons Paddy or Joey Harnett would have ridden him, only he was too low in the weights. "He got upset before the start so we had to adjust his girths before the start of the race but he is normally grand. "I've had a few two-year-olds but they weren't good enough, so this is nice to get my first Flat winner." M.W Hassett, rider of Liamo, trained by Brendan Maurice Walsh, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount broke slow from the stalls. The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Distillate (GB), ridden by Adam Caffrey, unplaced, Cu Chulainn (GB), ridden by J.A. Heffernan, placed fourth, and Browned Off, ridden by L.T. McAteer, placed sixth, where it appeared Adam Caffrey had to sit momentarily. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Adam Caffrey stated that he didn't have the horse to fill the gap and had to take a precautionary check. J.A. Heffernan stated that his mount shifted left but was clear at that point. L.T. McAteer stated that he kept a relatively straight line. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. (TW & EM)
