Mallards In Flight can't catch Bell

There was a very exciting finish to the Fred Kenny Lifetime Service To Racing Novice Handicap Chase and it was Aurora Bell that just lasted it out under Martin Burke at Fairyhouse.

Always to the fore, Aurora Bell opened the door a bit for the pursuing Mallards In Flight when not great over the third and second last fences.

He came up well at the last but still soon had a real battle on his hooves. The John Burke-trained 16/1 shot crossed the line a short head up on the Paul Carberry-ridden Mallards In Flight.

"He wants soft ground and the ground was too loose today," said the trainer's father Paddy.

"He might go for the 3m1f handicap on the Saturday at Punchestown. We'll give him a break for a week and see how he is in a fortnight.

"He might have had enough for the year and it also depends on the ground as he really needs it soft."

The Stewards interviewed P. Carberry, rider of Mallards In Flight, concerning his use of the whip in closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found P. Carberry in breach of Reg 10 4 by failing to give his mount time to respond to the whip and having considered his record the Stewards suspended him for two race days.

P. Townend, rider of Ibetellingyoualie trained by Terence O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left and jumped left throughout.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Its The Ice I Like trained by Robert Tyner, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have a nasal discharge of mucus post race, probably as a result of swallowing kickback, but was otherwise Post Race Normal.

A.P. McCoy, rider of Its The Ice I Like, trained by Robert Tyner, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount never travelled.

(GC & EM)