Recite A Prayer shows his true worth

Recite A Prayer put some disappointing efforts over hurdles well behind him, as he ran out a good winner of the Waterford Greenway Beginners Chase.

Successful in a point-to-point at Tallow when trained by Michael Murphy, he then failed to make an impact in two starts for Paul Hennessy.

A beaten favourite on his first two runs for Willie Mullins, he was last seen finishing fourth of six behind Kingston Retreat at Downpatrick on Friday.

Making his racecourse debut over fences this afternoon, the son of Recital was sent off a 7/2 chance in the colours of John Turner.

In third for much of the contest, he closed on the leaders on the approach to two out and jumped to the front at that obstacle.

Ridden on the run to the last, he soon went a few lengths clear and kept on well in the closing stages, coming home four-and-a-half lengths to the good. Champagne Sparkles (3/1) filled the runner-up spot under Bryan Cooper for Gordon Elliott, while the front-running Optional Mix was another eleven lengths back in third. Ran Rite was sent off the well-backed 7/4 favourite (3s early) and he finished a disappointing fourth of five.

Danny Mullins was aboard the successful six-year-old and he said in the aftermath: "It was a good performance. It's a very tight track for a horse of his size. He was nimble enough to still travel well into the race and hopefully he will have a future.

"That was a tricky task for him today and he came through it nicely. With the size and scope of him he could have a nice future over fences."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Ran Rite, trained by David M.O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were taken for further analysis.

The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Ms. J. Walsh, regarding the failure of Mr D.L. Queally, rider of Lovely Moon placed fifth, to weigh in after this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that this was the case and apologised for his actions. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Mr. D. L. Queally was in breach of Rule 227 and having considered Mr. D. L. Queally's record in this regard the Stewards suspended Mr. D. L. Queally for two racedays. Furthermore, the Stewards, pursuant to the provisions of Rule 230(ii) disqualified Lovely Moon from fifth place.

Amended result now reads:

Recite A Prayer placed first

Champagne Sparkles placed second

Optional Mix placed third

Ran Rite placed fourth.