Dark Image bounces back to her best

The winner of a bumper on debut in July of 2022, Dark Image bounced back to her best to take the second divide of the Shanagher Hearing Handicap Hurdle.

Down the field when last seen at Listowel a week ago, the Eoin McCarthy-trained six-year-old was sent off a 12/1 chance this evening and raced mainly in mid-division on the inner under Gary Noonan.

Pushed along from three out, she soon made headway and jumped the last in a share of second.

While drifting left when ridden on the run-in, the Sean Maguire-owned Awtaad bay ultimately kept on best in the closing stages and was three-parts of a length to the good at the line.

Returned the 3/1 favourite, Steps In The Sand couldn't match the winner close home and had to settle for second under Eoin Walsh for Cian Collins.

Short of room inside the final 50 yards, Tipp For Mac (9/2) was just half-a-length away in third, while Katherine (17/2 from 16s) was another half-a-length back in fourth.

"She's a lovely filly and I'm delighted for Sean," said McCarthy.

"Her half-brother (Ice Max) is after turning into a nice horse in England, he's a 109 horse on the Flat.

"She's won a bumper and a hurdle and I'd imagine she'll make a lovely broodmare. We'll keep her going now for the summer and look for something similar again."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident approaching the last hurdle involving Tipp For Mac, ridden by T. Joseph Kelly, placed third, Dark Image (GB), ridden by G.B. Noonan, placed first, Lisamaria ridden by K.C. Sexton, unplaced, and So Easy Way ridden by R.A. Doyle, unplaced, where it appeared numerous horses came close together. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. G.B Noonan stated that he gave his mount a flick down the neck and he just rolled around in front of Lisamaria. R.A. Doyle stated that as he received a bump he felt he corrected his mount immediately. K.C. Sexton stated that things just got tight momentarily. T. Joseph Kelly stated that his mount jumped slightly left and was returning to his racing line. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Tipp For Mac, ridden by T. Joseph Kelly, placed third, Dark Image (GB), ridden by G.B. Noonan, placed first, and Steps In The Sand, ridden by E. Walsh, placed second, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. E. Walsh stated that he was carried across the track by G.B. Noonan. T. Joseph Kelly stated that he was carried across the track and had to take a pull. G.B. Noonan stated that he thought he was further clear when his mount drifted across. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found G.B. Noonan was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard (first offence), the Raceday Stewards suspended him for two racedays.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Eoin Christopher McCarthy, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Dark Image (GB), placed first, as compared with its most recent run at Listowel on the third of June. Eoin Christopher McCarthy reported that his charge came on a bit from the run the last day in Listowel and he has updated his training facilities so has been training her more intensively as a result. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation given.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson