Hood a help to Sir Loujay

Ben Dalton had his first winner since taking a horrible looking fall from Wot A Shot at Down Royal on August 30th when landing the Fairyhouse Premier Jump Racing Weekend Handicap Hurdle on top-weight Sir Loujay

As was the case with Naughty Molly in the opener, Sir Loujay benefitted from the addition of head-gear, in this case a hood.

The victorious Shantou gelding came from mid-field to launch his challenge to the pace-setting Alajan from before the last. He got on top in the final fifty yards for a half a length win.

Sean Doyle trains Sir Loujay for Pauric Byrne and the Wexford handler commented: "I'm delighted with that. He jumped lovely today and I think the hood was a big help.

"Ben was very relaxed on him and gave him every chance.

"He ran a bit free the last day. I fancied him coming here after his last run – I thought the big galloping track would suit him.

"He'll go over fences now – chasing is his game.

"We'll run away with him but he wouldn't want it really soft."

The Stewards interviewed E.J. O’Connell, rider of Bank Bonus (11th) concerning his use of the whip in the latter 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 of the opinion that E.J. O’Connell was in breach of R10(3)(b) by using his whip when his chance of winning or being placed was clearly gone and R10(3)(f) by using his whip with excessive force. They therefore suspended E.J. O’Connell for 2 racedays having taken his previous record into consideration.

The Stewards interviewed A. Ring, rider of Black Waterfall (10th) concerning his use of the whip in the latter 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 of the opinion that A. Ring was in breach of R10(3)(b) by using his whip when his chance of winning or being placed was clearly gone and R10(3)(f) by using his whip with excessive force. They therefore suspended A. Ring for 1 raceday having taken his clean previous record into consideration.

(GC & EM)