Market-support for Wendrock in Leopardstown opener proves spot on

Wendrock justified market support in the Paddy Power I Have No Idea What Day It Is 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown for Gordon Elliott and Sam Ewing.

The Gigginstown House Stud-owned runner (4s into 3s) with the benefit of experience, got the better of favourite Galileo Dame on the run-in to score by two lengths.

Wendrock did hamper Galileo Dame inside the final 150 yards but the winner was pretty convincing at the line. Money Dancer finished off well for third, a short head further back.

“That was grand. He doesn't do anything flashy at home but he has a good attitude and you'd like the way he went there,” said Elliott.

“I'd imagine he'll come back here for the Dublin Racing Festival but to be honest I'd say he's more of a Fred Winter horse than a Grade 1 horse.

“He'll need another run to qualify so he'll probably end up coming back for that and that will tell us where to go.

“We have one or two nice ones at home to run. We're a bit short this year but have a nice horse that came from France, he could probably end up coming here for the Grade 1.”

At the request of the Raceday Stewards, K.E Buckley, rider of Babich trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was green early, ridden to finish and got tired after the last.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Babich, trained by Gavin Cromwell, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were taken for further analysis.

Sam Ewing, rider of Wendrock (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left from the turn in.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Raceday Stewards that Raydamann (FR) trained by Gordon Elliott was found to have blood at both nostrils post race.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Wendrock (FR), ridden by Sam Ewing, placed first, and Galileo Dame, ridden by J.J. Slevin, placed second, where it appeared Galileo Dame had to switch. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Sam Ewing stated that his mount landed steeply and pulled the right rein through his hand resulting in his mount moving in slightly. J. J. Slevin stated that things got tight and he had to take a check. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

(GC & EM)