See also » McGettigan wins the Apprentice Derby on Pillar Of Hope
It was nice to get it on Derby weekend. I had a winner on Guineas weekend and now with Pillar Of Hope on Derby weekend, I’m lost for words,. You couldn’t beat it, you couldn’t make it up. I bought this horse in Tattersalls two years ago. He ran in Leopardstown last time and I thought the trip was just a wee bit short for him, he was finishing out the race well. We picked this race out, a lot of people were telling me he didn’t stay but he did today anyway. It was class. Young Patrick is from Donegal and he used to ride out for me in Letterkenny. It’s a Donegal experience!. I do a bit of farming and I’m into retail as well. I just love horses and I’ve always had horses. I was into pony racing. We conquered that so we’re conquering this one now!. I’ve been into horses for about 10 years and claiming horses. Touch wood I seem to be very lucky with them at the minute. I’m getting a good run with them. Ransom ran earlier on and I think the race just came too quick after last Thursday. He’s one to watch, maybe for Galway. That’s two for Galway now, touch wood. We’ve Solomon out tomorrow in the Ladies Derby. I don’t know much about him but he’s a nice horse. If I won that it would be the icing on the cake. We’re staying down tonight, we have stables in the Curragh but we have to get somewhere to stay tonight yet. We’ll worry about that tonight. We have the expenses now and hopefully P Sweeney, trainer

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Not Just Any Eagle, ridden by R

Donaghue-Leahy, unplaced, Chutzpal, ridden by A.S. Grant, placed third, and Fortuna Vera, ridden by J

Pietropaolo, placed second, where it appeared Not Just Any Eagle ran short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. R. Donaghue-Leahy stated that her race was run and she was retreating when things got tight. A

S. Grant stated that his mount hung right and he put his stick down and straightened his mount when he heard a shout. J. Pietropaolo stated that the horse on his outside veered in on his mount forcing him inwards. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found A. S. Grant was in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended him for one racedays. In arriving at their decision regarding a sanction the Raceday Stewards took into account that this was the riders second ride. N. G. McCullagh accompanied A. S. Grant at this enquiry

J. Pietropaolo, rider of Fortuna Vera, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got intimidated a furlong out while holding his line

M.W Hassett, rider of Cinammon Coco, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left throughout

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Neve Bennett, rider of Barrogstown Girl, concerning her use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that she was in breach of the regulation and apologised for her actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Neve Bennett was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g (excessive frequency) and having considered her record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended Neve Bennett for three racedays

GENERAL INFORMATION The following Raceday Stewards acted on behalf of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board at this race meeting: Mr. Robert Dore (Chairman), Mr. C. P. Magnier, Ms. Mary Cosgrave, Mr. Anthony Byrne, Mr. L. Walsh

An extended handicap for three years old and upwards (80 = 10st)
Penalties - (after calculation of the handicap) A winner shall carry 7lb extra for each race won.
Riders - Apprentices who hold an Apprentice Licence under Rules of Racing issued by any recognised Turf Authority and who have not lost the right to claim the 3lb allowance (95 winners). Allowances - (up to and including 23rd June and which are not cumulative) Apprentices who have not ridden 15 *winners allowed..........7lb; Apprentices who have not ridden 30 *winners allowed..........4lb; Apprentices who have not ridden 45 *winners allowed..........2lb. *Including races under any N.H. Rules.