Drama aplenty as fortune favours Satoshi

After a dramatic conclusion, the Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle was awarded to the Gordon Elliott trained Satoshi Cuneo (3/1) finished first passed the post, but he jumped left at the last and badly hampered the 4/9 favourite Relegate

The Rachael Blackmore ridden Cuneo eventually came home half a length to the good, with Satoshi and Relegate in second and third, with just a short head between them.

As Relegate was the one hampered, Cuneo was placed behind her, and so the amended result meant that Satoshi was a fortunate winner.

Cheltenham bumper winner Relegate (Ruby Walsh in the saddle for Willie Mullins) was promoted to second, with Cuneo in third.

Davy Russell was aboard Satoshi, with this one returned at 14/1, having opened on-course at 25s.

Ninth on his debut here in April, the son of Shirocco is owned by the Fergies On A Sunday Morning Syndicate.

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards enquired into possible interference after the last hurdle involving Cuneo (FR), ridden by Rachael Blackmore, placed first and Relegate, ridden by R. Walsh, placed third, where it appeared that Cuneo (FR) landed to the left and impeded Relegate. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Cuneo (Fr) had improved it's placing in relation to Relegate with which it interfered and therefore reversed the placings of these horses with the amended result to read; 1st Satoshi, 2nd Relegate, 3rd Cuneo (FR). The Stewards took no further action.

Owing to the low elevation of the sun, the Stewards granted permission for hurdles # 4 & 5 to be omitted from this race.