On his debut over racecourse fences former point-to-pointer Funky Dady was confirmed the winner of the Follow Kilbeggan Races On Facebook Beginners Chase after a steward’s enquiry.

Shane Mulcahy ’s saddle was going from well before the last here, and when his mount ‘missed’ that obstacle the seven pound conditional wasn’t long about kicking his feet out of the irons.

Funky Dady edged in on Jack Hackett near the finish but victory was his at that stage and when the no alteration message came through it was no surprise to anyone as the length and three parts verdict was rubber stamped.

Funky Dady had earlier made a mistake at the fourth but it was a very pleasing effort all told and Hogan was happy afterwards though admitting - “In fairness the saddle slipping was my fault as my head travelling man wanted to tighten it another notch. He’s a slight horse and there is not much of him in it.”

He further reflected: “It’s great for Shane and that shows what he is made of. He’s a hardy young lad and there is no horse in our place that he can’t manage.

“He’s had terrible luck with injuries but hopefully it will turn and that could be the start of it. He’s a real grafter.

“A syndicate have leased this horse. Willie Byrnes and Peter Reilly are involved and the former surgeon Paddy Kenny. It’s great to repay him with a winner as he’s done a lot for jockeys over the years.

“He’s not a big horse and got falls in point-to-points so we’ll keep him to the summer tracks. He ran well in Galway last time so he’s probably not finished over hurdles either.”

S.A. Mulcahy, rider of Funky Dady (FR) trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his saddle slipped just before the home turn.

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages of this race involving Funky Dady (FR), ridden by S.A. Mulcahy, placed first and Jack Hackett, ridden by Rachael Blackmore, placed second, where it appeared that Jack Hackett checked on the rails. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings and took no further action. Mr. Jack Rearden, Chairman, absented himself from this enquiry which was chaired by Mr. Justice Tony Hunt. .

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Jack Hackett trained by Mrs D.A.Love was found to have lost its right fore shoe in running and was lame post race.

(AM & EM)