Apple creats Big impression in the bumper

The well-backed The Big Apple ran out an impressive winner of the bumper at Naas, the Go Racing In Kildare (Pro-Am) INH Flat Race, scoring under Padraig Roche for his father Christy.

The son of Presenting is out of a half-sister to Grade 1 winning hurdler Bannow Bay and he finished down the field on his debut in a maiden hurdle over the course and distance in March.

Available at 6/1 in a place this morning he went off the 5/2 joint-favourite along with the Noel Meade trained newcomer Jack Slade who finished fifth (later promoted to fourth).

The winner came with his challenge on the outer in the straight and he quickly stretched clear when he hit the front, going on to win easily by twelve lengths. Ma Garrett finished second at 14/1 under David Mullins for John Nicholson while Tully East (8/1) was a further length and a quarter back in third under Katie Walsh for Alan Fleming.

Tully East was later disqualified after Katie Walsh failed to weigh-in.

O’Donoghue’s Opera was subsequently promoted to third and he was returned at 25/1 with Patrick Mullins in the saddle for Philip Rothwell.

JP McManus was recording a double on the card and his racing manager Frank Berry said afterwards: "He did it nicely. He got a great ride from Padraig as he was a bit of a handful and a bit free.

“He took his time on him and he picked up well. He's a nice big horse.

“He'll go jumping sooner rather than later and he seemed to handle that ground well.”

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Mr.W.Fleming, that Ms K. Walsh, rider of Tully East, failed to weigh in. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that she accidentally failed to weigh in . Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that Ms Walsh was in breach of Rule 227(i) and having considered her record, suspended her for five race days. Furthermore Tully East was disqualified in accordance with Rule 230(ii).

Additional reporting by Gary Carson