Jeriko De Baune stays at it and gets his reward

Jeriko De Baune ran a remarkable race to land the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle for jockey Niall Moore.

He was scrubbed along after three out and soon came under a strong drive, but began to make headway on the leaders. The grey son of Castle Du Berlais was ridden into fourth rounding the home bend, but he looked cooked on the outer as Duffys Getaway readily asserted after two out.

The race was far from over, though, as the leader emptied before the last as Jeriko De Baune renewed his effort in second. He took aim and raced past Duffys Getaway close home to go on by two and a-half lengths at 10/1. The runner-up, Duffys Getaway, was a 14/1 chance and was the same distance in front of Givehimthehonour (11/1).

Philip Fenton said: “It didn't look like it was on the cards today, but the one thing that he does do is stay very well.

“Turning in, I said he had a chance of being in the money at least but he stayed on really well.

“It has to be soft for him, even slower ground would be a help.”

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Niall Moore, rider of Jeriko De Baune (FR), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Niall Moore stated that he was using his whip to correct his mount from leaning left. Upon reviewing the video evidence Niall Moore accepted he was in breach of the regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Niall Moore was in breach of R.10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his record in this regard they suspended him for nine racedays.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson