Unyielding and Colm O'Donoghue fend them all off on the inner© Photo Healy Racing
After riding his first winner for Jessica Harrington thirty five minutes earlier on Glenmayne Colm O'Donoghue quickly doubled up for the Moone trainer on Unyielding in Mobile Betting At 188BET Maiden at Limerick.
Many eyes in the closing stages were drawn to the eventual third home, Eddystone Rock Connor King seemed at pains to only let this fellow see light as late as possible - although he didn't have an untroubled passage - and to desist from using the whip.
As it was he was still closing at the line but he had a neck and a nose to find with Unyielding and Elusive Approach at the line.
Unyielding had made all and fended them all off over the final quarter mile.
"He's a funny horse as he settled great in behind at Leopardstown but didn't settle in front today and was going a bit faster than Colm wanted him to," commented Mrs Harrington.
"He'll go for a mile or a mile one handicap somewhere next and will probably be better in handicaps as he should settle better."
A running and riding enquiry into Eddystone Rock was referred to the Turf Club as the trainer's representative couldn't confirm riding instructions.
Eddystone Rock enquiry was referred under Rule 147, section (v).
The Stewards fined Noel C. Kelly, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Shumaker in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.
The Stewards fined J. S. Bolger, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Star Street in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Eddystone Rock, ridden by C.R. King, and trained by J.P. Murtagh. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that his instructions were to sit behind the leaders and follow the fancied horses before delivering his challenge inside the final furlong. He added that his horse settled well in behind the leaders but he was unable to obtain a clear run in the straight. He concluded by saying that his horse picked up well when switched to the outside and probably would have won with a clear run. Evidence was also heard from Valerie Keatley, representing J.P.Murtagh, trainer. She expressed her satisfaction with the ride but was unable to confirm the trainer's instructions. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Eddystone Rock was post race normal(samples taken for analysis). Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards referred the matter to the referrals committee, in accordance with Rule 147(v) as the trainer's representative had not been informed of the riding instructions.
(TW & EM)
