Two game dour staying geldings served up a great duel to round off the three mile Comeragh Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel. Unfortunately there had to be a loser and that one was For Carmel who lost out by a short head to Returntovendor

It threatened to go this way and that in the closing stages but the Jarlath Fahey-trained and Ian McCarthy-ridden Returntovendor found just enough to prevail.

Rachael Blackmore, rider of For Carmel, had to make do with the runner-up position for the second time in as many races as her mount Zipporah had come up just short in the preceding race as well.

On this form For Carmel mightn't be long about finding some compensation as the third placed favourite Itsallhappening was left twenty one lengths back in third.

The gambled-on grey, Boogily Lane finished just out of the placings in fifth.

Afterwards Fahey stated: "He's a tough auld devil and stays going. Ian said the other horse was a bit quicker over the last but it gave him something to aim at. He loves a good fight and puts his head down and battles.

"He likes that deep, tacky ground and he seems to like a track with a hill. He was a very slow learner but is improving all the time. He ran in point-to-points and schooling races but it took him a long time to realise what the whole game was about. He saves a bit for himself, and we haven't got to the end of him yet.

"He's home-bred by Pat McCarthy from Kilcock."

The Stewards interviewed Rachael Blackmore, rider of For Carmel, concerning her use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that Rachael Blackmore was in breach of R10(3)(f) by using her whip with excessive frequency and therefore suspended her for 3 racedays having taken her previous record into consideration.

The Stewards interviewed I.J. McCarthy, rider of Returntovendor, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that I.J. McCarthy was in breach of R10(3)(f) by using his whip with excessive frequency and therefore suspended him for 4 racedays having taken his previous record into consideration.

The Stewards fined Declan Queally, trainer, €350 for failing to lodge a passport in respect of Oscar Chimes in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90 (vii), "vaccination spot checks".

The Stewards fined Michael Hourigan, trainer, €350 for failing to lodge a passport in respect of Varene De Vauzelle (FR), in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90 (vii), "vaccination spot checks".

(AM & EM)