Must Be Obeyed rules her rivals

She may have had her own ideas about racing before the mares' bumper in Ballinrobe, but Must Be Obeyed soon showed that she has plenty of engine to work with.

She was never too far from the pace under Noel McParlan and took closer order in pursuit of Kilbarry Chloe in the final half mile.

She was still on the bridle in challenging the leader inside the two pole and was soon pushed along to hit the front.

The five-year-old asserted inside the final furlong and readily took the honours by five and a half lengths at 10/3.

Kilbarry Chloe (5/1) was booked for second once passed but was three and a quarter lengths ahead of Cream Sparkles (16/1).

Trainer Tom Gibney said: “She’s a dream through a race but she’s very temperamental.

“She’s a good mare though and we’re lucky to have her.”

The Stewards interviewed Mr M. J. Sweeney, Qualified rider, in relation to a report that they received from the Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board that Mr. M. J. Sweeney had failed in his obligations under Rule 14(i)(b), to attend the Racing Academy and Centre of Education for tuition on the correct use of the whip, having been ordered to do so by the Acting Stewards at Thurles on March the 20th, when found in breach of Regulation 10.3.g. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that while he had confirmed his attendance at R.A.C.E today he subsequently took a ride a declaration time to ride today at Ballinrobe. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards considered it appropriate, that on balance in this instance, the interests of the Owner and Trainer were best served by allowing Mr. M. J. Sweeney to take up the mount (on Carrigmoorna Elm . However, The Stewards referred the matter to the I.H.R.B and they informed Mr. M. J. Sweeney that until such time as he has attended the session on the correct use of the whip at the R.A.C.E, he would not be allowed to ride either on the racecourse or in Point to Points. Furthermore, the Stewards advised Mr. M. J. Sweeney that he will have to pay for the session again as he failed to give any notice for his non attendance.

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy