Trainer Colm Ryan off the mark with Karate Kid

After a debut second placing for his owner John Hayes at Fairyhouse in October, Karate Kid supplied Askeaton County Limerick handler Colm Ryan with his first success with his second runner in the Paddy Power The Flat One INH Flat Race this afternoon at Leopardstown.

Ray Barron did the steering on the successful Spanish Moon youngster in this stamina sapping two and a half miler.

With some of the market leaders failing by some way to come up to expectations it was left to another staying type, American Jukebox to give Karate Kid most to do and a length and a quarter split them at the line.

After getting a patient steer from Barron, Karate Kid came from the back with over three furlongs left to race. He led narrowly a furlong and a half out and despite edging left in the closing stages the chestnut found enough to prevail.

“It's terrific. John (Hayes) is busy farming and it was very kind of him to give him to me after his last run,” said Ryan.

“He was very green the first day and the ground was too good for him but he absolutely just turned inside out since.

“He's quite a smart horse. Ray probably went too soon, he gave him a terrific ride but he just ran about in front.

“He's deadly to jump so hopefully he's got a very bright future.

“We were just waiting for the ground all the time. We were a bit worried about the ground here today but thankfully with the times it looked like it was taking a bit of getting.

“I'd say the softer the better for him.

“I suppose he could be sold now. I just have five stores and this fella, he's the only horse I have to run.”

Mr H.C. Swan, rider of American Jukebox, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got tight for room in the straight and received pressure from his outside.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the home straight involving American Jukebox, ridden by Mr H.C. Swan, placed second, and Karate Kid, ridden by Mr R.W. Barron, placed first, where it appeared American Jukebox ran short of room and had to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr. H. C. Swan stated that he received two bumps and his mount became very unbalanced. Mr. R. W. Barron stated that his mount drifted in but he felt he left enough room. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found Mr. R. W. Barron, was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended Mr. R. W. Barron for two racedays.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Kevin F. O'Donnell, trainer of Katie's World regarding the fact that he presented his charge to run without hind shoes when prior permission was not granted in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 16. Having considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards allowed the animal to run without hind shoes on this occasion. They did, however find Mr. O'Donnell in breach of Regulation 16 and having considered his clean record in this regard, they cautioned him on this occasion.

(GC & EM)