Mr Percy pleases favourite backers in Limerick opener

He may have fiddled his way out over the second last flight but odds-on favourite Mr Percy was better at the last, then asserting on the run-in to claim the Master Chefs Maiden Hurdle at Limerick.

Joseph O'Brien has care of Mr Percy for Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, and their jockey Daryl Jacob got the victorious Sir Percy gelding home by three and a quarter lengths and three parts of a length from Rapparee Champ and Herbies Rover Kazakh D'arthel bolted beforehand and his withdrawal necessitated a 10 cent in the euro Rule 4 to all bets.

"It was a misunderstanding what happened the last day at Gowran and was just one of those things. He had been running on the flat so just wasn't expecting to see a hurdle and where that hurdle was, it is an island hurdle and he had a good look at it," reflected Jacob.

"He schooled on Thursday and I went down and popped him yesterday. There wasn't much pace on today so I was worried about that and I probably didn't give him the best of rides but I have learned a lot from the horse and he will be an awful lot better in a better race.

"He had very good form and I think he has been very well handled by Joseph and his team. Please god we have an exciting winter with him and I think he'll go on softer ground as well."

He added "I have some really nice horses to ride and while I have some nice horses in England, our strength and quality is in Ireland so I'll look forward to coming here.

"It is a massive team effort and I wouldn't have had the career I've had if it wasn't for Simon (Munir), Isaac (Souede) and Anthony (Bromley, racing manager). This is our 11th year, we're all in it to win so we either win, lose and draw together. It is great to get winners for them coming back from injury and I have a lot to look forward to."

K.E Buckley, rider of Come On The Lads trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount's saddle slipped forward.

K.M. Donoghue, rider of Kazakh D'arthel (FR), trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran away going to the start.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the circumstances surrounding the fact that H.E.Sexton rider of Shing Shilla dismounted as the starter had released the tape and remounted when the race had commenced. Evidence was heard from H.E Sexton who stated that his mount can be very difficult at the start, he also felt he had dismounted before the starter's flag was dropped in the hope of getting his mount to move forward, he further added that as his mount moved forward he remounted to join the race. Having considered all the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that H.E. Sexton was in breach of Rule 216(i) and having considered his record in this regard they cautioned him on this occasion, furthermore the Raceday Stewards disqualified Shing Shilla.

(TW & EM)