More joy for Holdens and Blackmore

With betting of 12/1 bar two there was a sense of inevitably about the outcome once 4/5 shot Chirico Vallis an out at the second flight in the Thomastown Maiden Hurdle at Gowran. Lachares (the 6/4 second favourite) took his opportunity well under leading conditional rider Rachael Blackmore.

Owned and trained locally by the Holdens (the main sponsors on today's card), Lachares was impeded when the pace-setting Chirico Vallis said 'no' to the first flight in the straight with over a circuit to go.

However the successful Manduro gelding was soon left in front, he made the rest and he kept Great Trango at arm's length by three and a half lengths.

Trainer Ellmarie Holden said afterwards: "His last three runs have been good. He's been thereabouts and is improving all the time. He's been working super at home, and I said to Rachael if he was keen to let him bowl along. I've no real plans.

"I've applied for a full training licence and am hoping it will be granted in the next few weeks. I've some nice horses for the summer."

Miss Holden only has a restricted licence at present (can only have four in training at any time).

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Alaliya ridden by R.P. Treacy, and trained by G.T.Lynch.

Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. R.P. Treacy, rider, stated that he was instructed to take his time early on, get the filly jumping as she needed to be educated and to do his best.

He added that he had been informed that the filly had fallen in a schooling race.

He explained his ride from the start and stated that the filly apart from landing on her head at the first hurdle, had travelled well until heaving over the far side of the course and having missed the third last hurdle he slapped her down the shoulder and moved her out wide.

He concluded by stating that she finished well passing tired horses and in his opinion the filly would be better suited to nicer ground and her fitness should improve from this run.

G.T.Lynch, trainer, confirmed the instructions and added that he had acquired this filly from another trainer who was unable to run her at two and three years of age because of her being weak.

He expressed his satisfaction with the ride and delight with her run. He agreed that she would probably prefer better ground conditions and possibly to be ridden handier .

The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Alaliya was post race normal.

Samples were taken for analysis.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations.

The Stewards fined P.A.Fahy, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Moanbaun Maestro in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.

(AM & EM)