Two's a charm for the O'Briens at Listowel

Owner Doctor Tom O'Brien landed the big prize on Thursday's card with Davids Charm. A good week got better for him in the bumper as his mare Janet's Charm prevailed for Mags Mullins in the hands of Patrick Mullins.

This Listowel Print EBF (Mares) (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race saw less than five and a half lengths separate the first eight home.

However, to justify her 5/4 favourite tag the successful daughter of Stowaway built on a debut Limerick third placing from July to account for Silk Worm by two lengths.

"She's a half-sister to Bellshill and that win makes her a valuable broodmare. Danny (Mullins, son of winning trainer Mags) thought she had improved from her first run and it is a pedigree which wants a trip," said Patrick Mullins.

"I thought she idled in front and when she goes over hurdles over a trip she could improve again. She is only four and Bellshill improved as he got older so they could have a lot of fun with her. She might possibly get black-type over hurdles."

The Stewards interviewed Jonathan Sweeney, trainer of Lightning Skye at his own request, in relation to the vaccination status of his charge. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned and from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer Ms. J. Taylor. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that the recording of Lightning Skye's vaccinations were demonstrably incorrect in accordance with the provisions of Rule 91.

The Stewards fined Jonathan Sweeney, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Lightning Skye, in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Lightning Skye in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90.

(TW & EM)