See also » Park That leads home McManus one-two in Kilbeggan

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the back straight involving Dunkerque (DEN), ridden by K.M

Donoghue, Ranko Express, ridden by C.M. Quirke, and Old Bridge (FR), ridden by J.C. Gainford where it appeared an incident occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. K.M. Donoghue stated that he jumped the second last hurdle well and it landed him into a gap on the inside of Ranko Express but felt pressure from his left and had to check. C.M. Quirke stated that it got tight for room after the second last hurdle. J.C

Gainford stated that he felt he maintained his racing line and caused no interference. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found C.M. Quirke, was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his clean record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended him for two racedays

C.M. Quirke, rider of Ranko Express, trained by Andrew Slattery, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left throughout

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Powerful, placed second (beaten by a short head), trained by Mrs John Harrington, and ridden by S.D. Torrens with particular emphasis on the closing stages

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned and from Ms. Lauren Page, Authorised Representative for the trainer

S.D. Torrens stated that his instructions were to settle his mount in fifth or sixth place, get into a rhythm and ride his race from there. He said the race was less than straight forward and his mount suffered some interference in the closing stages. When questioned on his riding particularly inside the last 50yards he stated that he was riding to the best of his ability on a horse that would not respond to use of a whip. He further added that the animal was raw and inexperienced and in the circumstances he was satisfied that he had made every effort in the closing stages. Ms

Page confirmed the instructions given and expressed her satisfaction with the ride. She further confirmed and that she had spoken with the trainer by phone and stated that the trainer was also satisfied with the ride. Following running of the race, Powerful was examined by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer at the request of the Raceday Stewards, who reported the animal to have a small wound on the outside of his right fore and noted a righthand side cardiac murmur which is louder post trot than when he is at rest. Samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the explanations offered on the basis of the Veterinary evidence alone, which they felt was a very significant factor when arriving at their decision

The Raceday Stewards reviewed the false start of this race and having viewed all the footage the Raceday Stewards took no further action.

A hurdle for four and five years old only, maidens at starting
Weights - 4-y-o 11st 4lbs 5-y-o 11st 12lbs Mares allowed 7lbs