Galypso Clermont delivers under Deegan

Galypso Clermont outbattled Kingston Kid at the business end of the Patrickswell Opportunity Handicap Hurdle in Limerick.

The pair fought out the spoils racing to the final flight of this extended three mile test and the 7/2 favourite found more on the run-in under Richie Deegan to score by a length and a half from the 80/1 runner-up, albeit he edged across his rival in the closing stages. Da Big Fella (12/1) finished third beaten four lengths by the winner.

Paul Nolan said: "He stays at it, had placed form and was third with Richie the last day.

"The inside track here is tight but there was no point in changing tactics on him as there was no point in making more use of him when he is flat to the boards from start to finish. I told Richie not to change too much and keep him in his comfort zone and he jumped well.

"We'll look for something similar next."

The Stewards enquired into possible interference from the final hurdle to the winning post involving Galypso Clermont (FR), ridden by R. Deegan, placed first and Kingston Kid, ridden by J.C. Canavan, placed second, where it appeared that Galypso Clermont (FR) drifted to the left and may have carried Kingston Kid in so doing. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence J.C. Canavan stated that his mount was hanging to the right but was carried left by Galypso Clermont (FR) which in his opinion had cost him the race. R. Deegan stated that he was keeping his mount out wide on the good ground but he had drifted and he put his whip down to correct him. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that while Galypso Clermont (FR) had caused interference to Kingston Kid, he did not improve his finishing position as a result of this interference so they made no alteration to the Judge's placings. They did, however, give R. Deegan the benefit of the doubt on this occasion but advised him to ride with more awareness in the future. Ms Kate Horgan, Acting Steward, absented herself from this enquiry.

R. Deegan, rider of Galypso Clermont (FR) trained by Paul Nolan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left in the closing stages of this race.

J.C. Canavan, rider of Kingston Kid trained by Eugene M. O'Sullivan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right in the closing stages of this race.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes