Stepper Point very classy in Flying Five

Stepper Point impressed with all the way success in the Group 3 Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh.

The five-year-old gelding had emerged with plenty of credit from his performances at Group One level behind Sole Power and clearly relished this drop in class.

He bounced out smartly from the stalls and made all under Martin Dywer. With a furlong and a half to go everything in behind was off the bridle. He duly hit the line two and three quarter lengths up.

From 100/30 on opening show he was heavily punted down to 9/4 favourite. Sir Maximilian kept on to grab second at 7/1, a neck in front of Russian Soul (12/1).

Winning jockey Martin Dwyer said: “He has run great in Group 1 races. He was just touched off by Sole Power who is probably the best sprinter around. He deserved to do that and he showed his class.

“It was relatively hassle-free for him. I let him stride on in the last two furlongs. He was probably the best horse in the race.”

Trainer Willie Muir said: “He’s been competing at the top and never lets me down. People say he keeps getting beat, but Sole Power is the best around. It’s like me playing football against Messi and Ronaldo!

“He went over the top at this time last year, but I’d say we’ll have to go for the Prix de l’Abbaye. He’s got three weeks to freshen up.”

Stepper Point was cut from 16/1 to 12/1 for the Prix de l'Abbaye by Paddy Power.

The Stewards interviewed C. O'Donoghue, rider of Jamesie concerning the fact that he appeared to move across before reaching the marker poles. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered evidence from the rider, the Stewards were of the opinion that he was in breach of Rule 211 and having considered his record, suspended him for one race day.

The Stewards enquired into an incident shortly after leaving the stalls, involving Master Speaker ridden by S.J. Hassett, unplaced , Robot Boy ridden by Graham Gibbons, placed fourth, Sir Maximilian, ridden by S. Donohoe, placed second, Stepper Point (GB), ridden by M. Dwyer, placed first and Guerre (USA), ridden by J.P. O'Brien, unplaced. 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 M.Dwyer was in breach of Rule 211,in that he failed to keep straight to the marker poles and having considered his record, suspended him for one race day. Furthermore, the stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Rule 214, in that he rode carelessly and having considered his record, suspended him for a further two race days.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee