Captain Cullen (noseband) chases down leader Poetic Choice© Photo Healy Racing
Captain Cullen recorded his first win since October 2015, as he took the last at the Curragh, the Curragh Training Grounds Apprentice Handicap.
A now four time course winner, the Joseph Murray trained eight-year-old was sent off at 12/1 today having finished in midfield on his last few starts.
Settled in mid-division by Evan Daly, he was pushed along from halfway and ridden on the outer with two furlongs left to race.
He came with his effort from the furlong pole, and stayed on best in the closing stages, getting up to score by three parts of a length. Poetic Choice was the one reeled-in, and he had to settle for second under Dylan Hogan for Keith Clarke at 8/1. Khabaray (8/1) was half a length back in third for Oisin Orr and Richard O'Brien, while Emperor Bob (18/1) was another half a length away in fourth for Killian Leonard and Patrick McKenna. Nivvo was sent off the 9/2 favourite and he was fifth.
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards interviewed L.T. McAteer, rider of McGuigan concerning his use of the whip in this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, in the presence of Ger Flynn, representing J.S.Bolger, trainer, who accompanied the rider in the Stewards room. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f), in that he used the whip with excessive force and frequency and having considered his clean record, suspended him for one race day.
The Stewards interviewed O.J. Orr, rider of Khabaray, concerning his use of the whip in this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f), in that he used the whip with excessive force and having considered his clean record, suspended him for one race day.
N.M. Crosse, rider of Asian Wing trained by John James Feane, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was slowly away.
