Chester/Mallow double for Weld as 'Graig' men dominate

Having won the Chester Cup with Falcon Eight this afternoon, Hightimeyouwon completed a valuable cross the card double for Dermot Weld in the Mallow Handicap.

A dual winner last season, the Newtown Anner Stud Farm owned five-year-old finished fourth to Bopedro on his most recent start over the course and distance last month.

Sent off a 10/1 chance this evening (from 14s), the son of Garswood was settled behind the leaders in the near side group.

Pushed along to lead over a furlong out, he battled on gamely in the closing stages to repel the late challenge of Fil The Power by a head.

It was a 1,2 for the Sheehy brothers, with Danny Sheehy aboard runner-up who was returned at 40/1 for trainer Kevin Smith.

Coincidentally, Shane Foley was another head back in third on Real Appeal (5/1), making it a 1,2,3 for Graiguenamanagh natives, with the Sheehy brothers also hailing from the Co Kilkenny town. Midnight Fire (14s to 9s) completed the places in fourth, while Gena who was sent off the 7/2 favourite, finished a disappointing thirteen on her debut for Paddy Twomey.

The winning rider, who was registering his first success for Mr Weld, said: "We had a wide draw so it worked out well and we got a lovely toe into the race. I could have held on to him a little longer but had no other choice and in fairness he put the race to bed.

"It was my first time riding him and I'm very grateful to Mr Weld for giving me the opportunity. He had a light weight and Oisin Orr and Colin Keane usually ride for Mr Weld, so I was very lucky to get the opportunity."

STEWARDS REPORTS

R.P. Whelan, rider of Casanova (GB) trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly, lost its action and was eased.

W.J. Lee, rider of Gena (FR) trained by P. Twomey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount travelled well but found little in the closing stages.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Gena (FR), trained by P. Twomey, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes