My Sister Sarah seals doubles for Mullins and Lordan

My Sister Sarah got up on the line to nail Coventry at the end of an extended two miles in Listowel.

Coventry had raced to the front past Politicise with two and a half furlongs to travel in this staying test and jockey Chris Hayes went for home a furlong and a half out.

He had a willing partner who kept finding but the race was far from over as My Sister Sarah picked up the chase under Wayne Lordan.

The latter got on terms with 100 yards left as the front two pulled well clear of the remainder. It was a ding-dong battle to the line with My Sister Sarah getting the head-bobbing verdict after a photo finish.

The 6/5 favourite got there by a nose from the 12/1 runner-up Coventry (who was 3lb out of the handicap). Brazos (11/1) was fully eight and a half lengths adrift in third.

Lordan said: "She started slow and I had to ask her to get up into a good position. I travelled well, the track might have been on the tight side for her and she is a fine big filly and a good mover.

"Things might have been happening a bit quick for her and it might have been her minimum trip as well. A galloping track would suit her but she put her head down, was tough for me and it was nice to ride another winner for Willie (Mullins)."

This winner gave Mullins an across-the-card double as Ruaille Buaille obliged in Kilbeggan. Lordan was doubling up at Listowel having booted home The Acropolis in the opener.

The Stewards interviewed W.M. Lordan, rider of My Sister Sarah, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, W.M. Lordan stated that he was so conscious of trying to keep his record clean in relation to the whip and honestly felt that he had used the whip to within the guidelines but accepted on viewing the video that his use of the whip was in excess of the permitted guidelines. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that W.M. Lordan was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration and pursuant to the provisions of R10(6)(a), the Stewards suspended W.M. Lordan for six racedays.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes