Muzak does the biz at Ballinrobe again

Muzak followed up a course and distance success from last August when winning as the nicely-backed 2/1 favourite in the Hollymount Nursing Home Handicap Chase at Ballinrobe.

Another one for money in this two mile one furlong contest – Steady Ed – flattered to deceive after going to the front 'looking good' after three out.

It was left to the easy-in-the-market handicap-debutant, El Mondo to lay it down to Muzak from the final fence. He may have got a smack on the head from winning rider Davy Condon's whip, on the run-in, but he never looked like as if he was quite going to get there and eventually went under by three parts of a length. There was a steward's enquiry but there was no alteration.

Local trainer, John Monroe, not far off the mark here yesterday with the third-placed Baby Grey, said of Muzak: "If the ground was good it would have made it easier on him. He'll stay mostly chasing and he'll have one more run before Galway hopefully."

The Stewards enquired into possible interference from the last fence involving the winner Muzak, ridden by D.J.Condon, and El Mondo, ridden by N.P.Madden, placed, second.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the

Stewards made no alteration to the judge’s placings and took no further action.

The Stewards interviewed N.P.Madden, rider of El Mondo concerning his use of the whip in this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10 3(g) and 10(4) in that he used the whip with the arm above shoulder height and without giving his mount time to respond, having considered his record he was cautioned concerning his future responsibilities in this regard..

(TW & EM)