Slatterys strike with Preparations

Very few got involved in the first divide of the Mary Rogers Memorial Handicap, with Preparations making virtually all.

Beaten by just half a length on her penultimate outing, the Mastercraftsman three-year-old since finished down the field at Listowel last week.

Trained by Andy Slattery, owned by his wife Mary and ridden their son Andrew, the 64-rated bay was sent off an easy-to-back 16/1 chance.

Soon making her way to the head of affairs, she increased her advantage with over two furlongs to race and kept up the gallop when ridden, coming home two and three quarters of a length to the good.

After racing in second for much of the contest, Noble Andy (22/1) maintained that position to the line.

Returned the 2/1 favourite, Slieve Bearnagh found himself caught behind horses in seventh over two furlongs from home.

When eventually in the clear he stayed on well into a never nearer third, three quarters of a length off the runner-up.

Andy Slattery said: "I don't think she was right in Listowel.

"I was still even disappointed with her in Navan, she is showing more at home than what she is bringing to the track. She is working to a higher level.

"I think she is probably just a bit weak and I might just put her away for next season.

"It is grand to get her off the boards.

"She has famous colours, my wife's colours (now). They won the 1963 Champion Hurdle with Winning Fair."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident at the top of the hill involving Numidia ridden by P. McGettigan, Grann's Boy ridden by Adam Caffrey, and Vierson ridden by S. Foley, where it appeared Vierson ran short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. P. McGettigan and Adam Caffrey felt they kept their racing line. S. Foley stated that he had a gap in front of him but felt his mount shied away from filling it and he took a check. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards did not apportion blame to any rider and took no further action.

S. Foley, rider of Vierson, trained by Ciaran Murphy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got tight for room at the top of the straight.

G.M. Ryan, rider of Noble Andy, trained by Mark Fahey, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left from the top of the straight.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham