Hoban steps in to guide Elite Legion home a good winner

“I was lucky Shane Foley (number one rider) is in Doncaster today so it was nice of Mr Zhang (owner) and Mick Donohoe (racing manager) to give me the ride on her again,” said Conor Hoban after winning the Foran Equine Irish EBF Auction (Fillies) Maiden on Elite Legion at Listowel.

The successful War Command filly (8s out to 10s) came forward from a debut Sligo seventh placing, overcoming a wide draw stepping up in trip, to account for Call Of The Jungle (6s out to 8s) by three and a half lengths.

It was a nose then to Madaket Mystery (14s into 8s) in third.

Jessica Harrington trains Elite Legion and Hoban further reflected: “She had a very wide draw but I spoke to Mrs Harrington beforehand and she said to be good and positive out of the gate and get into a nice position.

"I rode her the last day in Sligo but the trip was a bit short for her. She handled the ground today though and stayed well.

"She was quite impressive at the line and is a tough little genuine filly."

The Mayo native was getting off the mark for the Chinese owner with this win.

Under the provisions of Rule 90, the Stewards allowed Slade Express trained by Leonard Paul Flynn, to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the error identified in the certification of vaccinations would be corrected in accordance with Rule 91 within the timeframe specified.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Ivy Avenue trained by J. S. Bolger, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined One Cool Choice trained by Jarlath P.Fahey, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be clinically abnormal post race.

The Stewards interviewed R.P. Cleary, rider, in relation to his report to scales following this race to the effect that only one stall gate opened from his starting position. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who confirmed his report to scales and added that the incident did not effect the performance of his mount. Evidence was also heard from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Starter, Mr. P.L. Malone, who stated that all pre racing inspections were completed and any malfunctions had been rectified since the incident. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered.

M.A. Gallagher, rider of One Cool Choice trained by Jarlath P.Fahey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran very flat, never travelled and never got a chance to compete.

R.P. Cleary, rider of Ivy Avenue trained by J. S. Bolger, reported to the Clerk of Scales that only one stall gate opened from his start position.

L.F. Roche, rider of Stela Star trained by Thomas Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran very green and hung right.

The Stewards interviewed Mark Michael McNiff, trainer, in relation to his request to substitute A. Makay, rider of Cara's Company Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that he had been notified by the rider's agent that a member of his family had taken ill. M. McNiff requested P. Harnett as a substitution rider and he was informed, following a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Clerk of Scales Ms. A. O'Keeffe, that P. Harnett would weigh out at 6 Lbs overweight. M. McNiff added that due to a shortage of riders who could draw the correct weight he was agreeable to allowing his charge carry the overweight. Having considered the evidence, including written confirmation of the circumstances from R. Tierney, agent for A. Makay, the Stewards were satisfied that the circumstances were very exceptional and they therefore allowed the substitution of rider and overweight in this instance.

(TW & EM)