Lynch Cool on Athlete

Fergal Lynch is making quite an impression at Dundalk and aboard Cool Athlete he got racing room when it mattered whilst a few of his rivals didn't in the Winter Racing At Dundalk Handicap. Equipped with cheek-pieces Cool Athlete was winning for trainer David Marnane and owner, the Equine Friends Syndicate, following up a course and distance victory from a fortnight back. Elwazeer looked like he was going to get back on the winning trail over a furlong out but Cool Athlete was steaming through from off the pace at that stage and he got there close home to prevail by half a length.

Lynch said: "He's a real old character - I was playing with his ears going down to the start.

"He likes it in amongst horses and loves a tussle. He picked up in the last furlong and really stretched out going to the line."

The Stewards enquired into an incident about one furlong from the finish involving Spin Of A Coin ridden by S.H. James, placed third, Knockgraffon Lad ridden by C.T. Keane, placed fourth, Fountain Of Honour ridden by Megan Carberry and Pivotal Rock ridden by S.A. Gray, both unplaced.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the video of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that C.T. Keane was in breach of rule 214 in that he had caused the incident by riding carelessly and suspended him for 3 racedays having taken into consideration his previous record in this regard.

Mr Owen Weldon represented C.T. Keane and Mrs Lucy Stack represented S.A. Gray at this enquiry. (AM & EM)