Ladders Snakes back down to Listowel for win

Snakes And Ladders second here yesterday, returned to Listowel to land the Michael Daffy Car Sales Handicap.

Runner-up to Sr Cartage less than twenty four hours earlier, Fran Berry's mount dropped back a furlong to a mile, and the 4/1 favourite got the better of Future Earner (finished off well after dwelling at the stalls) by half a length.

Snakes And Ladders came through from mid-division to lead over a furlong out, and he kept on well under pressure inside the final furlong to prevail.

Winning trainer Niall Madden said: "I've had a rake of seconds recently and couldn't get a winner so that was welcome.

"He was grand this morning, which entitled him to run again, and he'll keep to something similar next."

Successful owner J P McManus' racing manager Frank Berry commented: "He loves the conditions. Niall took him home last night and he led him out for a pick of grass this morning.

"He was in good form, and he moved well, so with the conditions to suit we said we'd run him again today. It's great that it worked out."

The Stewards interviewed W.J. Lee, rider of Northern Surprise concerning the fact that he appeared to move across before reaching the marker poles. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered evidence from the rider, the Stewards found W.J. Lee in breach of Rule 211 by failing to ride in a straight line until reaching the Marker Poles and having taken his good record into account the Stewards severely cautioned the rider concerning his compliance with this rule in future.

The Stewards interviewed K.J. Leonard, rider of Jackemil concerning the fact that he appeared to move across before reaching the marker poles. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered evidence from the rider, in the presence of John J. Walsh, trainer, the Stewards found K.J. Leonard in breach of Rule 211 by failing to ride in a straight line until reaching the Marker Poles and having taken his good record into account the Stewards severely cautioned the rider regarding his compliance with this rule in future.

(TW & EM)