Roche produces Steer Clear nicely to win off a break

After a third place finish in the previous race with Demi Plie J P McManus and Padraig Roche struck in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Rated Novice Chase at Leopardstown with Steer Clear

With Mark Walsh aboard Steer Clear (4/1 — 9/2 — 100/30 2nd favourite) enjoyed himself from the front, despite jumping a bit to his right at times. Hesamanofhisword chased home at a distance of seven lengths but he was never really troubling the comfortable victor.

Roche commented afterwards: “I’m delighted with that. He got a bit of a setback after his run the last day (122 days back).

“He loves that ground. Mark said he jumps and he gallops.

“He’s maturing a lot. In his younger days he was doing everything wrong but now he’s relaxing more.

“He loved it out in front. I’ll have a chat with Frank (Berry, racing manager) and JP but I’d say we’ll look for something similar.”

D.F. O'Regan, rider of Magnium trained by A.J.Martin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount did not let himself down on the ground.

Owing to the low elevation of the sun, the Stewards granted permission for fence #2 to be omitted from this race

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Magnium, ridden by D.F. O'Regan, and trained by A.J.Martin.

Evidence was heard from the trainer and rider concerned.

A.J. Martin stated that he instructed the rider to drop in behind the leaders but should his mount be too strong he could go on with him.

He added that his charge had not run for six months and had encountered many problems during training but today he was in good shape.

He advised that his charge must go left handed but probably found the ground too quick for him.

D.F. O'Regan, stated that his mount on all known form had the class to win this race but having settled and jumped well he was unable to handle the very quick ground after the third last fence and was outpaced.

He expressed his surprise at how well the leaders maintained the strong pace all the way to the finish.

The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Magnium was post race normal.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards accepted the explanations offered.

(AM & EM)