Halford one two after dramatic finish

Orcia a 33/1 shot on outing number two, landed the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden at Dundalk from her fellow Mick Halford runner, Maira She then had to survive a steward's enquiry.

The Conor Hoban ridden winner interfered with second and third home, Maira and Clutchingatstraws (principally) and indeed Laffina (fourth) when drifting in to her left towards the rail inside the final furlong.

Orcia, who paid 112.40 on the Tote, crossed the line a length up on Maira with Clutchingatstraws a neck back in third.

General opinion was that if Clutchingatstraws had finished second she may have had a chance of getting the race in the steward's room. As it was the judge's placings were allowed to stand.

"She was slowly away the last day and she got behind in a good race and she never got on terms. She was a different filly today and she's a smashing type.

"She'll get further in time and she has a beautiful temperament and she'll improve," explained Halford.

The Stewards enquired into 2 instances of possible interference inside the final furlong, the first involving involving Maira, ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed second and Laffina (USA), ridden by W.J. Lee, placed fourth, where it appeared Laffina (USA) suffered interference, and the second instance involving Orcia, ridden by C.P. Hoban, winner, Maira, ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed second, and Clutchingatstraws (GB), ridden by F. Lynch, placed third, where it appeared both Clutchingatstraws (GB) and Maira suffered interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards could not be satisfied that any horse had improved it's finishing position as a result of the interference, and so they made no alteration to the judge's placings.

They were, however, of the opinion P.J. Smullen was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly in the first instance of interference, and having taken his record into account, they suspended him for 2 racedays.

Furthermore, they were of the opinion C.P. Hoban was also in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly in the second instance of interference, and having taken his record into account and the level of interference, they suspended him for 5 racedays.

Mr. E. Irwin, Acting Steward, absented himself from this enquiry.

The Stewards informed Thomas Cleary, trainer that Cleano (GB), would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.

(MG & EM)