Askerana (Chris Hayes, far-side) beats Lighthouse Lady and Billy Lee© Photo Healy Racing
Askerana triumphed at the first time of asking under Chris Hayes in the Irish EBF Supporting ICW (Fillies) Maiden at Roscommon.
For the Aga Khan and Dermot Weld Hayes got Askerana (7/2 out to 9/2) home half a length in front of Lighthouse Lady
There was a steward’s enquiry not involving the winner but the judge’s placings remained unaltered.
Said Hayes in the aftermath: “She’s a nice filly. I’d never sat on her before but the boss filled me up with confidence about her and I got a lovely feel off her going to the start. Being by Pivotal she thrived on the ground.
“I don’t know how strong the race is but all she can do is improve. The penny started to drop with her turning out of the back straight, and it was nice to get her head in front.”
Under the provisions of Rule 90, the Stewards allowed Askerana, trained by D. K. Weld, to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the error identified in the certification of vaccinations would be corrected in accordance with Rule 91 within the timeframe specified.
The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the latter stages of this race involving Eria ridden by D. O'Brien, placed third and Lighthouse Lady, ridden by W.J. Lee, placed second, where it appeared that Lighthouse Lady may have drifted into the racing line of Eria. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judges placings and took no further action.
W.J. Lee, rider of Lighthouse Lady trained by Edmond Kent, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran around when she hit the front in the closing stages.
The Stewards interviewed Edmond Kent, trainer of Lighthouse Lady, regarding the late arrival of the horse into the Parade Ring. Evidence was heard from the trainer who stated that he was delayed collecting the saddle as the rider was in the sauna and furthermore he was relying on a temporary groom to assist him but he was delayed having led up in the previous race. . Having considered the evidence, the Stewards took into consideration the problems encountered by the trainer but reminded him of his responsibility to comply with Rule 32(ii) and cautioned him on this occasion.
(AM & EM)
