Making Light (left) and Larchmont Lad © Photo Healy Racing
The Listed TheTote.com Knockaire Stakes at Leopardstown today was settled in the Stewards’ Room, as the Dermot Weld trained Making Light was awarded the race having passed the post a nose behind demoted first-passed-the-post Larchmont Lad
British raider and David O’Meara trained Larchmont Lad, under Declan McDonogh, made all the running to past the winning post ahead of Making Light but an Enquiry was subsequently called into interference between the pair in the closing stages.
Larchmont Lad had drift away from his position along the running rail inside the final furlong and while at no stage did the pair bump, the Stewards found Making Light had been sufficiently intimidated to change the result.
Winning trainer Weld was completing a double on the day along with his stable second jockey Leigh Roche, who was filling in for suspended Pat Smullen, having earlier won a maiden with Flavius whereas trainer David O’Meara, on the other hand, was doubly unfortunate in the race as he was also responsible for eventual fourth placed So Beloved which experienced little luck in running.
O’Meara initially predicted his charge Larchmont Lad would keep the race in his post-race interview, saying “I saw the head on when I came into the paddock and although our fella veered off the rail I don't think he ever came in contact with the second horse. He had his ears pricked the whole way and probably could have done with the winner challenging closer to him.”
“Declan (McDonogh) gave him a grand ride and popped along. He said he wasn't doing a whole lot in front. He was pricking his old ears and could have done with a bit of company late on.”
Weld later remarked "she's (Making Light) a very consistent filly and was beaten a short-head at Naas the other day and a nose today but she got it and we're delighted.
“She won a group 3 race here last year and this was important because she's gone this year without winning. It was vital that she got this race.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
