State takes Curragh opener for O'Callaghan

The opening race of the 2015 Turf Flat Season, the Tally Ho Stud EBF 2yo Maiden, went to the Michael O'Callaghan trained, Emmet McNamara ridden State Of Emergency

The son of Dandy Man was purchased for E30,000 at Goffs last October.

Having tracked the leaders he was ridden two furlongs out and needed to be switched off the rails to challenge over a furlong from home.

He was switched even wider inside the final furlong and kept on best when in the clear, getting up to score by half a length at the odds of 10/1. Bebhinn (4/1), who hit the front 200 yards out, had to settle for second under Chris Hayes for Kevin Prendergast while Hasselnott (20's to 14's on-course) was a further length and three parts back in third under Fran Berry for Austin Leahy.

Trial Beat was sent off 11/8 favourite but he had a far from clear passage and finished a staying on fourth under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger.

Michael O'Callaghan, who was recording his first winner at the Curragh, said afterwards: "Emmet gave him a super ride. He did well and I hope he doesn't get into trouble as he was the best horse in the race.

"We'd just done enough done with him. I fancied him coming here. He's a very good moving colt and will be better on better ground. He's a good ground horse.

"He reared up in the parade ring beforehand and is still babyish. We might look at something like the Marble Hill Stakes back here."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the latter stages of this race involving Greyscape ridden by D.P. McDonogh, unplaced, Hasselnott (GB), ridden by F.M. Berry, placed third, State Of Emergency, ridden by E.J. McNamara, placed first and Bebhinn (USA), ridden by C.D. Hayes, placed second, where it appeared interference had taken place.

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 E. J. McNamara was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record, suspended him for one race day.

Furthermore the Stewards advised C. D. Hayes to ride with more care in the future.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee