Dawson excels on Iron Major

Eddie Lynam fielded three of the thirteen for the Free To Speak Apprentice Handicap and those that expected his Iron Major (100/30 favourite) to prove best of the lot were spot on as the six-year-old triumphed under Ray Dawson. Lake George was gambled-on to supplement his good Curragh record and he looked like he might do it when gaining a narrow lead a furlong out but he was trumped by Iron Major, who came from the rear, getting up to win by three parts of a length.

Unfortunately Daring Man collapsed and slipped up under two furlongs out.

Lynam said: "He's a bit of a character and it's good to get a win with him again.

"Ray is a nice lad. He comes in to ride out once a week and he gave him a good ride there as this horse would know plenty.

"It's good to get and the Curragh has been good to us this season."

The Stewards interviewed Denis Coakley, authorised representative for Denis W Cullen, trainer of Daring Man concerning the fact that this horse burst a blood vessel and crashed through the rails as a result, this being the second time this horse has burst a blood vessel. Evidence was heard from the trainer’s representative.

Having considered the evidence, the Stewards, using their powers under Rule 14 suspended Daring Man for sixty days.

(GC & EM)