Sheamus takes the bumper for Hughes & King

Sheamus ensured Dessie Hughes didn’t leave Kilbeggan empty handed this evening as he took the concluding bumper, the Athlone INH Flat Race, under Johnny King.

The four-year-old son of Definite Article finished third to Alton Bay on his debut at Ballinrobe in June and he was fourth on his next start in the race won by Lucky Pat at the Galway Festival.

Sent off a 7/2 chance (available at 9/2 this morning) he tracked the leaders on the outer and was fifth with a circuit to race.

He was ridden to challenge from two furlongs out and he soon hit the front, stretching clear inside the final furlong before going on to score by nine lengths. Blueprint Bob (3/1) finished second under Declan Queally for Hannah Lee while Oiche Maith (28/1) ran well to take third, a further two and a half lengths back under Damien Skehan for Tara Lee Cogan. Grangeclare Rosa (who was as big as 3’s this morning) was sent off the 6/4 favourite but she could only manage a disappointing fourth for Willie and Patrick Mullins.

Dessie Hughes said afterwards: "The two bumpers that he ran in have worked out well.

"He is a nice horse and we will look forward to going for a maiden hurdle with him now."

The winner is owned by the Slaneyville Syndicate who previously had dual Grade One winner Schindlers Hunt with Hughes.

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards enquired into an incident on the final bend involving Blueprint Bob, ridden by Mr D.L. Queally, placed second and Oiche Maith, ridden by Mr D. Skehan, placed third, where it appeared that Oiche Maith ran short of room and was checked in running.

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 Mr D.L. Queally had caused the incident by riding carelessly which was a breach of Rule 214 and consequently suspended him for 1 raceday. The stewards heard from Mr D.L. Queally during the course of this enquiry that his mount had hung continuously in running and had a sore mouth, a fact that he failed to report post race. Having considered this admission the Stewards were satisfied that Mr D.L. Queally was in breach of Rule 213 by failing to report a matter that may have effected his animals performance and consequently cautioned him concerning his responsibility to comply with the provisions of this rule.

Mr D.G. Lavery, rider of She's All Talk trained by Mrs D.A.Love, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount stumbled independently and fell in running.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson