McDonagh horses continue to Fly

The Cosy Roof Handicap Chase looked difficult beforehand but the first three in the betting took gold silver and bronze, led home by Fly De Megaudais (6/1). Carried (well-backed 5/1 joint favourite) made the Michael McDonagh owned and trained successful French-bred battle all the way to the line, and a neck eventually separated them.

Carried’s fellow 5/1 market-leader, Downthecellar was five and a half lengths back in third.

"I would have probably liked something to bring me a bit farther. I was just travelling so well I kind of went and just had enough up the hill lucky enough to just hold on,” said Landers.

"It was his first handicap chase and just the way they started with the false start I ended up down on the rail with no light but he was brilliant, his jumping carried me everywhere.

"He loved the ground, it was a bit tacky on the rail after the hurdles, so that's why I kept him out wide down to the last two for nicer ground. He got in close to the second last and winged the last and just held on."

The Stewards interviewed C.A. Landers, rider of Fly De Megaudais (FR), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was in breach of the regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that C. A. Landers was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g, excessive frequency. Having considered C. A. Landers record in this regard the Stewards suspended C. A. Landers for one raceday.

The Stewards interviewed S. O'Callaghan, rider of Carried, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was in breach of the regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that S. O'Callaghan was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g, excessive frequency. Having considered S. O'Callaghan's record in this regard the Stewards suspended S. O'Callaghan for two racedays.

(MG & EM)