Tawseef best in rough race

Unfortunately we lost four-time winner Sheilas Wish who came down early in the Athlone Apprentice Handicap, and Gary Halpin (battered and bruised and gone for X-rays on a suspected arm injury) and Our Rachael went their separate ways in the final half mile. The spoils in this 50 to 70 affair, eventually went the way of Colin Bowe's Tawseef under Ian Queally. Smiler was the one that the eye was drawn to in the final quarter mile, Mikey O'Connor's charge looking a likely winner, but Tawseef and Mallory Heights were coming with their respective bids out wide.

Eventually Tawseef gained the day by half a length from Mallory Heights, with a neck to the aforementioned Smiler in third.

"I must thank the lads as they have left me on him the last while. He doesn't want to be in front too soon and so it has been hard to win with him," explained Queally.

"It was a rough race but that suited him as he is a real handicapper. He is tough and genuine and he stayed on well all the way to the line."

V.Clifford, trainer of Malicious Intent reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge pulled a front shoe in running.

K.J. Leonard, rider of Sheilas Wish, trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount fell independently having sustained an injury.

The Stewards enquired into an incident after leaving the back straight involving Flannery ridden by Christina Simpson, unplaced, Smiler, ridden by D.P. Linehan, placed third and Our Rachael, ridden by Gary Paul Halpin, unseated rider, where it appeared that Our Rachel ran short of room, collided with the running rails and dislodged her rider.

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 the incident was caused by D.P. Linehan riding carelessly and consequently suspended him for 7 racedays. Kevin McDonagh attended this enquiry with D.P. Linehan.

(DM & EM)