O'Connor brings home well-backed Bleu

The Charlie Chute Memorial (Q.R.) Handicap Chase got underway fourteen minutes after the scheduled off-time due to the attention that Paul Carberry (taken to Tralee with a serious thigh injury) had to receive after his fall in the first at Listowel. Bendala Bleu was unaffected by the delay as he landed the spoils under Derek O'Connor.

Backed from 8/1 into 11/2 on his first start since April, the Beneficial gelding, successful 'between the flags,' shed his maiden tag on the racecourse proper under a typically patient and assured ride from O'Connor.

His similarly well-supported rival, Venture Lazarus crashed out at the fourth last, a fence that also claimed another well-fancied contender in Company Coming

At the business end the Donie Hassett-trained and the One More Go Syndicate-owned Bendala Bleu proved three parts of a length and three and three parts of a length too good for Mark Me Up and Analyse That

"He's a very clear-winded horse and easy to keep fit," explained Hassett's son Brian.

"He'll go for something similar now if a fortnight's time. We'll probably up him in trip, he'd be better over two and a half miles.

"The slower ground today helped him.

"Derek is worth a stone in those races - he's brilliant."

For his part O'Connor said: "He jumped and travelled superbly. Donie's horses are in great form."

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Five O'clock Tea (FR), trained by A.J. Martin, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race. Samples were taken for analysis.

The Stewards interviewed Mr P.J. Cawley, rider of Mark Me Up (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of 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 10.4, in that he had failed to give his mount sufficient time to respond and Regulation 10. 3(g), in that he had used his whip with the arm above shoulder height. Having considered his previous good record, the Stewards cautioned him.

(AM & EM)