Red-hot O'Brien seals double through Maths Prize

Trainer Richard O'Brien has been in red-hot form recently and brought up a double at the Curragh through Maths Prize in the mile handicap.

The trainer's maths are as follows: five winners and a runner-up from his last eight runners including three victories in a row starting with Bianca Minola at Roscommon on Tuesday then Alans Pride and Maths Prize in the Curragh today.

Maths Prize began his challenge in the final quarter of a mile and sustained headway had him in charge at the furlong pole. Prosecution tried to hunt him down but gave best in the latter stages as Maths Prize went on by two and a quarter lengths at 6/1.

Prosecution was a 4/1 chance. Muzbid came in third at 12/1, beaten six lengths by the victor.

Richard O'Brien said: "Typical I'm not there! So pleased for Frank Lynch and Mick Hartnett and their better halves Maria and Phil. They supported me by sending me this fella and Alcatraz and I'm so grateful to them both. They're terrific enthusiasts and they have a lovely horse going forward.

"Billy kept it simple and while I was uncertain about the ground he encouraged me to run. He was right."

Jockey Billy Lee added: "He got a lovely spot behind the leaders and travelled well for me. He got there going well and, when the second horse got to his tail, he found plenty for a few cracks of the whip.

“He’s a lovely horse although Richard was worried about the ground. He was in good form today and got through it. I think there is more to come.”

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving The Moore Factor ridden by J.A. Heffernan, Muzbid, ridden by D.M. Redmond, Nothing To Lose ridden by R.P. Downey, and St Gallen ridden by C.T. Keane, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that D.M. Redmond was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his previous record in this regard suspended him for two race days.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee