Game Sinead lands punt

Amazingly we had a third winner at Thurles that had appeared at Cork just last Sunday, with winner of the Leugh Handicap Hurdle, For Sinead joining Shouband and Summer Storm quick reappearing scorers earlier on the card.

Backed from 6/1 (bigger earlier) into 4/1 favourite on track, the Mark Walsh-ridden For Sinead was tremendously game on the run-in to get the upper hand on Cloudy Morning who'd looked to be getting the best of things, by a short head.

"Mark said at Cork on Sunday that she needed a longer trip. She was only tenth but you could have put a blanket over them and she was only beaten eight lengths," said winning trainer Mick Winters.

"She's very honest, and wants three miles and decent ground.

"We needed this one to sweeten Donie (Sheahan, owner) as he has a couple of nice young horses. There is a three miles handicap at Wexford, and if she doesn't get too much for this she might get into that."

The Stewards interviewed M.P. Walsh, rider of For Sinead, concerning his use of the whip in this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f), in that he used the whip with excessive frequency and having considered his record, cautioned him concerning his future responsibilities in this regard.

G.N. Fox, rider of Presenting Thewest trained by V. T. O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount burst blood vessels and was pulled up.

D.E. Splaine, rider of Mountmellick Girl trained by Brendan W.Duke, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a bad mistake and had a swollen knee when pulled up.

(AM & EM)