Hourigan has Moores on right Road now

Watching the Geraldine McCarthy Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Cork you were of a mind for a while to think that the veteran Rory O'Moore could have slipped the field in a clear lead. He weakened from before the second last to beat only two home as Moores Road followed up on his Limerick Christmas festival win.

Bottom-weight Moores Road (some slight mistakes) was always Rory O'Moore's closest pursuer, but a few threatened danger to the eventual victor once the pace-setter folded. Scoir Mear was the one that did best of the rest but he was half a length down at the line.

"I said to Andrew (Ring) before going out, not to let him get claustrophobic - it's amazing how you find out about these horses and I just found out (how to ride him) by mistake. It's great to learn these things by mistake!" revealed winning trainer Michael Hourigan.

"I don't know if he'll go chasing or not now and we'll try find another one in a month's time. He's entitled to a break now - but then again if a race turns up you could see him out next week!"

J.M. Moore, rider of Ah Littleluck trained by Thomas Gibney, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was pulled up as he was unable to handle the ground.

The Stewards interviewed A. Ring, rider of Moores Road, 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)(f) by using his whip with excessive frequency and R10(4) by failing to give his mount time to respond to the whip.

Having taken his clean record into consideration the Stewards suspended A. Ring for 4 racedays and also instructed him to attend R.A.C.E for one days tuition on the correct use of the whip.

(TW & EM)