Abarta delights favourite backers and locals

Abarta came out on the right side of a three-way thrust for the line in the extended two mile six furlong handicap chase at Galway - and made it five winning favourites from six races.

The 5/1 shot was a local victory for Val O'Brien. Abarta couldn't be called an obvious winner though, as the field race towards the second last. Paul Carberry steered him into sixth coming to that obstacle. He remained in that position after the last and was off the bridle.

As he raced into the home straight, Carberry switched him to the inside and he stayed on strongly to get up in the closing stages to win by half a length and a head. Heavenly Brook (11/1) took second, with Shield (6/1) in third.

Handler Val O'Brien said: "He got a great ride and Paul (Carberry) made all the right decisions.

"He (Abarta) is good on hilly tracks as he runs on well. He might go to Sligo next on the all chase meeting."

The Stewards interviewed P. Carberry, rider of Abarta, 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 P. Carberry was in breach of R10(4) by failing to give his mount time to respond to the whip and consequently suspended him for three race days having taken his previous record into consideration.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes