Gallagher back in winners enclosure with Angel

Cork trainer Eamonn Gallagher saddled his first 'track' winner since October 2013 when Cailean's Angel ran out a game winner of the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Bellewstown.

The Getaway mare was sent off a 7/2 shot for the two-and-a-half mile contest after some recent solid efforts, most recently when a close sixth over the minimum trip at Clonmel last month.

Darrragh O'Keeffe tracked the leaders before sending his mount into the lead jumping the fifth last flight.

She responded gamely when pressed by Bard Of Armagh from the third last and having seen off that rival repelled the late charge of Gone Galavanting on run-in to secure a half-length win.

“I train in Conna, right beside Jimmy Mangan and Liam Burke. I use their gallops so I'd like to thank them,” said Gallagher.

“The last winner I had on the track was for the same owners, Backinthere. The Sheehans are a great family to me, they are builders from Ballyduff, and only for them I'd be nearly retired.

“I mostly break horses but this year I had a handful to run. I had a point-to-point winner that made £155,000.

“She's consistent, she's been running in good races and hasn't been beaten too far. The last day was a great run in Clonmel.

“I said coming up 'was I coming to the wrong place' because she ran well in Clonmel.

“Darragh is a good claimer and he's not far away from me at home.

“She's in at Roscommon on Tuesday but I don't know about that. She might go to our local track at Mallow on Friday night.

“We are waiting for this for a long time and we might celebrate!”

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards interviewed R.A. Doyle, rider of Gone Galavanting, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that R.A. Doyle was in breach of Regulation 10.3.(f)(force) and Regulation 10.3 (g)(frequency) and having considered his record, they suspended him for 1 raceday.

The Stewards interviewed C.D. Timmons, rider of Bard Of Armagh (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that C.D. Timmons was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g)(frequency) and 10.3(i) (time to respond) and having considered his record, they cautioned him on this occasion.

David Peter Dunne, trainer of Pretty Little Liar reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge lost a front shoe and was in his opinion lame afterwards.