Taaffe rides 2nd winner as Highland Charge looks smart on debut

Pat Taaffe rode his second winner when on debut Highland Charge landed the Willie Elliott Memorial (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race at Fairyhouse.

The Gigginstown House Stud-owned and Noel Meade-trained 185,000 Euro three-year-old purchase, had to survive a steward’s enquiry before being confirmed the three parts of a length winner over odds-on favourite Reality Cheque

It was ‘six of one half a dozen of the other’ in bumping between the pair inside the final furlong and it was no surprise when the judge’s placings were rubber-stamped.

“He’s a lovely big horse and was very backward all last year. He showed nothing last season but has just started to come along. He can only improve,” said Meade.

“I’ll have to talk to the owners but I’d say he’ll stay in bumpers this season and might run at Christmas.

“Pat is riding out for me two days a week and he rides very well. He’s a very nice young man and I think he’ll have a good future in those amateur races.”

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Highland Charge, ridden by Mr Pat Taaffe, placed first and Reality Cheque, ridden by Mr P.W. Mullins, placed second, where it appeared Reality Cheque met with interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings. They were, however of the opinion that Mr Pat Taaffe was in breach of Rule 214(careless riding) and having considered his record, they suspended him for 2 racedays. Mr. Justice Tony Hunt, Acting Steward, absented himself from this enquiry.

(AM & EM)