Equine Tommy Welsh a winner now too

Joseph O'Brien sent two into battle for division one of the McGeough's Bar & Restaurant, Dundalk Handicap. Brother Donnacha took the reins on Tommy Welsh (8s into 6s) and he got home in front in a tight finish.

Little over a length and a half separated the first five cross the line, and Tommy Welsh wasn't to be denied as he got the better of New Direction by three parts of a length.

Donnacha O'Brien commented: "He's genuine and stayed the trip well. It's great to get a win with him, and hopefully he can win another one or two."

Tommy Welsh began in a Galway bumper back in October. He was triumphing tonight on outing number five on the level.

The Stewards held an enquiry following a report from Ms. Michelle Howard, Turf Club Security, that in the course of her duties she observed a syringe in the tack bag of U S Navy Seal (USA), trained by J.R. Finn, following the running of this race.

Evidence was heard from Ms. Michelle Howard, Turf Club Security, Ms Joan Taylor, Turf Club Veterinary Officer and J.R. Finn, trainer.

Ms Taylor, stated that this was an oral dosage syringe which is not permitted in the stable yard.

The trainer acknowledged that he was in breach of Regulation 9 regarding the bringing of certain syringes into the stableyard and stated that it was used solely to wash out his horses' mouths.

Having considered the evidence the Stewards found the trainer in breach of Regulation 9 and in the circumstances and using their powers under Rule 14 (ii) referred the matter to the CEO of The Turf Club for further investigation.

Anthony McCann, trainer of Im Waiting reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge scoped wrong post race.

(AM & EM)