It's All A Joke has the last laugh in Fairyhouse

It's All A Joke (12/1 from 25s this morning) rallied to great effect to win a big-field handicap over six furlongs in Fairyhouse for John McConnell.

He was pushed along by Siobhan Rutledge leaving the stalls to try and make full use of being drawn in one.

The six-year-old gelding raced prominently for the first quarter of a mile before disputing with Theriverunsdeep.

The 12/1 shot came off the bridle outside the two pole as Theriverrunsdeep took over. He was far from cooked, though, as he boxed on over a furlong out.

Theriverrunsdeep cracked with 150 yards to go and It's All A Joke got a sniff of victory as he grabbed the lead. Fit For Function (14/1) kept him more than honest as he stormed home on the inner, but was a neck in arrears at the line. Brave Display (33/1) and Hell Left Loose (14/1) were a close third and fourth respectively.

Rutledge said: “I'm delighted with him and he obviously likes this track.

“I was a little bit concerned about the ground but thankfully the bit of rain softened it up for him.

“When we got to the front he started running around a bit and I just had to put the stick down and that helped him to concentrate and keep straight.

“He's a great horse to ride and hopefully we can get another one or two out of him.”

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages of this race involving It's All A Joke, ridden by Siobhan Rutledge, placed first, Theriverrunsdeep, ridden by N.M. Crosse, placed fifth and King's View ridden by D.E. Sheehy, unplaced, where it appeared that It's All A Joke drifted across the track causing Theriverrunsdeep to check.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. D.E. Sheehy stated that his mount was going backwards before receiving some intimidation from the front. N.M. Crosse stated that his mount rolled out due to intimidation when the horse to his front jinked left. S. Rutledge stated that her mount jumped away from the whip and strayed off a straight line unexpectedly. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings. The Stewards were satisfied that S. Rutledge was in breach of Rule 214 in that she had ridden carelessly, and having considered her record in this regard suspended her for two race days.

Ms. Justice Leoine Reynolds, Chair of the Acting Stewards, absented herself from this enquiry which was chaired by Mr. Peter Law.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson