La Touche win tinged with sadness for McManus and Bolger

We unusually had a clear pace-setter in the Friends First Cross Country Chase For The La Touche Cup with My Hometown putting the pace to the race. He was being reeled in when coming down at the one before Ruby's Double but My Hometown's connections still took the spoils through Auvergnat

Indeed J P McManus and Enda Bolger had a 1-2 as Auvergnat (Donie McInerney) came out best by a neck from Josies Orders (Nina Carberry) after a titanic battle from the last.

It wasn't all good news for McManus and Bolger as they lost fifth home Cantlow after the race. He collapsed and died on his way back to be unsaddled.

"He was never losing much ground despite some niggly mistakes and he travelled everywhere," reported McInerney on Auvergnat.

"I was even able to bring him back going down to the last as I knew I had it won."

"It was close and hard luck on Nina but both horses ran their hearts out. Auvergnat was our fancy because he'd run at Cheltenham, and he's only eight and an up and coming horse. I must say he got a great ride from Donie as well," stated Bolger before the news on Cantlow came through.

"It's great for the race that it was a tight finish and exciting.

"My Hometown is my hunter and may be back on Saturday. He was enjoying it in front, and if he's okay we might pull him out again."

The Stewards on receipt of a post race report from Dr. Lynn Hillyer, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Chief Veterinary Officer, enquired into the use of the whip by J.J. Burke, rider of My Murphy prior to the time that he pulled up when detached from the other runners.

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 J.J. Burke was in breach of R(10)(3)(e) by hitting his mount other than down the shoulder or on the hind quarters and R(10)(3)(f) by using his whip with excessive force.

Having taken his previous clean record into consideration, the Stewards suspended J.J. Burke for 2 racedays.

(AM & EM)