The door opens for Avalanche

Twelve months ago Avalanche missed his engagement in the Diarmuid Cronin Electrical Apprentice Handicap at Killarney on account of the going. Tonight Thomond O'Mara returned his grey to the County Kerry venue to land the spoils in race five under Tom Madden.

Avalanche has missed out twice recently, on a slice of the action as a reserve runner, but here on his first start in 294 days the seven-year-old son of Three Valleys was up to the task to beat well-backed favourite Trade Marked by a length and a half.

"I was a bit worried about the ground but he handled it well and deserved his turn. He'll go for something similar next," commented O'Mara after the 12/1 shot got off the mark at the 18th time of asking.

The Stewards enquired into an incident before the turn into the straight involving Prince Jock (USA), ridden by K.P. Moriarty, placed sixth, Nannys Well ridden by R. Coakley, placed third and Bert Leaf (GB), ridden by R.A. Smithers, 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 R.A.Smithers was in breach of Rule 214, in that he rode carelessly and having considered his clean record, suspended him for one race day.

(TW & EM)