Couleur wins again for Cleary

Couleur De La Loi recorded his second success of the summer as he took the Sound Of Silver Handicap Hurdle for trainer Mickey Cleary.

The nine-year-old son of Spectrum provided Jonathan Moore with his first winner at Tipperary last month before unseating the Wexford pilot on his next start at Wexford.

Ridden by Brian O’Connell today the chestnut gelding was sent off at 4/1 having drifted from 11/4 this morning and from 7/2 on-course.

Prominent throughout he hit the front after the fourth last flight and despite being challenged before two out he kept on well under pressure on the run-in to score by a length and a half. Point Of Rescue went off the 10/3 favourite and he kept on well up the run-in to take second under David Casey for James Nash, while Phangio who made a bad mistake at the last, was a further length and a quarter back in third under Paul Townend for Philip Rothwell at 11/2.

Mickey Cleary said afterwards: “He might go to Listowel.”

Owner Eamon Purcell, who is from Athy, added: “I have a couple of horses with Mickey. I also own Stoichkhov who has won at Dundalk. Mickey is doing rightly. Brian said he looked for a bit of good ground. He didn't like Wexford the last day, but he loves it here.”

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards interviewed B.T. O'Connell, rider of Couleur De La Loi, concerning his use of the whip in the closing 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 rider was in breach of Regulation 10. 3. (e), in that he had used his whip other that down the shoulder or the hind quarters and Regulation 10. 3. (g), in that he had used his whip with his arm above shoulder height. Having taken his previous regard into account, they suspended him for three racedays and order that he attend R.A.C.E for one days tuition on the correct use of the whip.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham