Sayce Gold and Darragh O'Keeffe© Photo Healy Racing
The Grade Three Kerry Group Stayers Novice Hurdle saw Sayce Gold put up an impressive performance at Cork to win her third race in succession.
Darragh O’Keeffe was aboard for the first time (his initial win at Grade Three level), and the Gold Well mare, second favourite on this occasion, led, and she disputed before the third.
The seven-year-old travelled well to lead before three out, and she asserted before two out.
A slight mistake at the last was no inconvenience and she kept on well to easily defeat Ragnar Lodbrok by eight lengths.
Market-leader Darrens Hope failed by some way to come up to expectations behind the stylish Trevor Hemmings winner.
Darrens Hope was eventually pulled up before three out, by Paul Townend, when well behind.
"We are very lucky to have one like that and we have great help at home and all work together. Darragh O'Keeffe came over the other day when Brian Hayes (riding at Punchestown) couldn't make it and did a bit of work with her,” said winning trainer Mick Winters.
"She learned a bit today as she didn't have to do it all in front.
"I think 2m4f is perfect for her and soft ground is a help; if the ground was too quick you wouldn't run, she loves to put her toe into it. I have no idea what plans are and I'll leave that to Mick Meagher, Trevor's (Hemmings) manager.
Winters added "some horses you can see, some you can't. When Rebel Fitz came into the yard, he reminded me of Master Minded, although I had one horse Monsignor (dual Cheltenham winner) who was a great mover and I even had him out hunting, but he slipped me.
"I had him out hunting and a man hopped off him after a day's hunting and said 'he's only a hunter'!
"If she (Sayce Gold) is one piece and we are all alive, fences are tempting."
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Darrens Hope, trained by Robert Murphy, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be showing signs of being in season post race.
P. Townend, rider of Darrens Hope trained by Robert Murphy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled and was pulled up.
The Stewards interviewed A. McCurtin, rider of No Memory concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found A. McCurtin in breach of Regulation 10.3.g, excessive frequency. Having considered A. McCurtn's record in this regard the Stewards suspended A. McCurtin for three racedays.
(TW & EM)
