Donoghue trains first racecourse winner

Former jockey Alan Donoghue saddled his first winner on the racecourse proper when Sky Tenor (14/1) built on some encouraging efforts to land division two of the Sliabh Na mBan Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel.

J J Slevin always had the Sky Tenor Racing Syndicate-owned grey to the fore with his first-time cheek-pieces.

He led before two out where pace-setter Maria Francesca fell, and ridden to assert before the last Sky Tenor kept on strongly to beat Fredastare by eleven lengths.

Donoghue has put horses like Rockyaboya and Road To Respect through his hands in the past.

He said: "That's my first winner on the track, we'd had a few point to point winners and buy and sell horses, that's our main job.

"I want to say a big thanks to my partner Danielle Deveney who rides him out and does all the work with him. We have 20 horses in, it is only myself and herself so I couldn't do it without her - she is unreal.

"I used to be a jockey, was a jockeys' agent when I had Bryan Cooper and a lot of good lads but I'm doing what I love now - I absolutely love this and love horses."

Donoghue added: "I said the last day to (jockey) Sean Flanagan that he was the best 80 rated horse I've ever ridden so I wasn't one bit surprised he won.

"I thought he'd win a point to point but we were left with him. We'll look for something similar, it's great to get the first winner on board and JJ gave him an unbelievable ride.

"I'll dedicate this to two of the syndicate members Sean Kyle and Vincent Slattery who passed away in the last couple of months."

J.M. Moore, rider of Shantou Lucky trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped quickly.

S.W. Flanagan, rider of Sojouner Truth trained by Rodger Sweeney, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Shantou Lucky, trained by Gavin Cromwell, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Porky Rush ridden by Mr J.P. Kirwan, placed third, Fredastare, ridden by L.A. McKenna, placed second and Courtin Bb ridden by G. Brouder, placed fifth, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr. J. P. Kirwan stated that he had not suffered any interference. L. A. McKenna stated that his mount went left from the whip but he pulled his whip through straight away and did his best to keep his mount straight. G. Brouder stated that he suffered minor interference but his race was run and he felt it had not cost him anything. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that while Fredastare had caused interference to Courtin Bb, he did not improve his finishing position as a result of this interference so they made no alteration to the judge's placings. The Stewards cautioned G. Brouder concerning his responsibility to cooperate with an official at the first instance when requested to attend an enquiry.

Rachael Blackmore, rider of Chelseas Friend trained by James Joseph Mangan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that her mount lost its action coming down the hill.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Chelseas Friend, trained by James Joseph Mangan, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(TW & EM)