Ballymadun relishes Down Royal conditions

The testing ground in Down Royal suited Ballymadun well as he scored decisively in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.

Paddy O'Hanlon 's mount disputed four out and travelled well to lead at the next.

He was pushed clear before the last in this extended two mile three contest and galloped home by five and a half lengths at 7/1 from 10s. Bracka Lily came in second at 7/1 with Pegase Amour three parts of a length away in third at 10/1. Bellaney Gem completed the placings a further 21 lengths adrift in fourth at 14/1.

Trainer Dermot McLoughlin said: "We have been waiting for this horse for soft ground. At the top of the hill four out he had everything covered so it went to plan.

"The quick ground wasn't suiting him and lucky it came right for him today."

The Stewards received a report from Mr. W. Fleming , Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that D.E. Browne , rider of Bracka Lily , weighed in at 1.4 lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who stated that through his own fault he had weighed in with extra equipment that he had not weighed out with. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that D.E. Browne was in breach of Rule 231 and they therefore cautioned him having considered his previous record in this regard.

The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Mr. W. Fleming, regarding the failure of M.J. Stenson, rider of Isharah (USA), placed 6th, to weigh in after this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he was unaware of his finishing position and by his own admission he did not confirm with the clerk of scales if he was required to weigh in. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that M.J. Stenson was in breach of Rule 227 (i) in that he failed to present himself to be weighed in by the Clerk of Scales. Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards severely cautioned M.J. Stenson and disqualified Isharah under Rule 230 (ii).