44/1 Dundalk brace for McGuinness and Ryan

He’s going to be crowned champion apprentice at Naas on Saturday and this afternoon at Dundalk Gavin Ryan combined with Ado McGuinness to land the opening couple of races. The double was completed by Ablah in the HOLLYWOODBETS Nursery Handicap.

McGuinness had a winner in the same colours at this venue on Friday night when Pure Nature prevailed under Adam Farragher, and Ablah’s success wasn’t unexpected as she was towards the top of the market as a 5/1 chance.

Down the inner in the straight the daughter of Air Force Blue proved a length and three parts too good for Ginato prompting McGuinness to say: “She wasn’t winning out of turn. She was unlucky the last day when she got badly hampered here.

“It’s great to win for Phoenix again. That’s the second winner we have had for them in a week (Pure Nature won here last Friday) and we have four horses in total for them.

“We’ll probably give her one more run here as she likes the surface and then give her a break for next year.

“She was coming home well over five on her last few runs and I think six is her trip.”

The Stewards enquired into an incident rounding the first bend involving The Last Knight ridden by Sam Ewing, Ginato, ridden by G.P. Halpin, Sincerest ridden by D.P. McDonogh, Writewhenyouland ridden by Adrian O'Shea, Brosna Empress ridden by T.P. Madden, Keepyourdistance ridden by W.J. Lee, Ablah (USA), ridden by G.M. Ryan and Star Act ridden by R.P. Cleary, where it appeared interference had occurred.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned in the presence of Mr. Shane Lyons, who accompanied Sam Ewing at this enquiry. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that G.P, Halpin was in breach of Rule 214 (careless riding) and having considered his record they suspended him for 5 racedays .

G.P. Halpin, rider of Ginato trained by Kevin Prendergast, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lugged left throughout.

W.J. Lee, rider of Keepyourdistance trained by Edward P.Harty, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got tight for room at the first bend.

R.P. Cleary, rider of Star Act trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was badly hampered at the first bend and clipped a heel.

G.M. Ryan, rider of Ablah (USA) trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got tight for room at the first bend.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Writewhenyouland trained by Mrs.A.M.O'Shea was found to have burst a blood vessel post race.

(AM & EM)