Damut justifies market support

The well-backed Damut followed-up on his win at Clonmel in May as he took the Take A Selfie @Cork Racecourse Handicap Hurdle under Davy Russell (late replacement for the injured David Casey) for Joe Dullea.

Available at 10/1 last night with Powers the son of Gamut opened at 5's on-course before going off the 4/1 favourite.

Upped in trip to two mile three today he was settled behind the leaders in the colours of Edmond Cogan.

He travelled well in fifth approaching the straight and was pushed along to challenge in second after three out.

He hit the front after the next and kept on well under pressure on the run-in to see off Indian Rupee by two and a quarter lengths.

The runner-up was returned at 12/1 under Mikey Fogarty for Tom Mullins while Stay With It was a further two and a half lengths back in third under Jack Kennedy for Mick Winters at 13/2. Copy Print (8/1) completed the placings a further four and a half lengths back in fourth under Brian O'Connell for John Joe Walsh while the morning favourite Just Call Me finished a disappointing fourteenth at 5/1.

Joe Dullea, who had his first racecourse success with Damut at Clonmel, said afterwards: "He got seven pounds for winning at Clonmel the last day but got two more for standing in his stable! Seven or eight winners came out of the race and I was hoping he (the handicapper) was right.

"He's a horse who doesn't take much racing and we'll play it by ear now."

STEWARDS REPORTS

M.A. Enright, rider of Call Me Bach trained by Liam P Cusack, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was impeded at the start, lost a lot of ground, never travelled thereafter and was eventually pulled up.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Just Call Me, trained by A.J. McNamara, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Stewards fined Joseph Dullea, E350 for failing to lodge a passport in respect of winning horse Damut, in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90(vi). Written assurance was given by or on behalf of the Trainer that the Passport would be forwarded to Horse Racing Ireland within the next 3 working days for verification with the markings and microchip number taken by the Turf Club Veterinary Officer.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes