Velvet Skies delivers for Mulvany and Joyce

Michael Mulvany and Wesley Joyce teamed up for another winner through Velvet Skies in the nursery at Down Royal.

The 5/1 shot made headway for Joyce inside the final couple of furlongs and the pair worked their way to the front approaching the final 100 yards.

They forged on to win by three-parts of a length from The Bear Trap (5/1). Finsceal Annie finished third, but she was demoted to fourth by the stewards with Expecto (6/1) promoted to third.

Mulvany said: "I was actually a little disappointed the last day (in fifth at the Curragh), I thought we would have been closer.

"He's still learning on the job.

"He is going for the Sportsman's sales race on Thursday (at Naas), so hopefully he will improve again.

"I'd say he is versatile enough over six and seven.

"Wesley is a good jockey."

The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference at the road crossing involving The Bear Trap, ridden by S. Foley, placed second, Expecto, ridden by R.P. Cleary, placed fourth, and Finsceal Annie, ridden by J.A. Powell, placed third, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. S. Foley stated that he received a knock on bump from his right but it didn't affect his position. R.P. Cleary stated that he received a bump from his inner which cost him valuable momentum which he felt cost him third place. J.A. Powell stated that his filly ducked left at the road crossing bumping the horse on his outer, but he did his best to correct her. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that Finsceal Annie had caused interference to Expecto and as a result of this interference had improved it’s finishing position. As a consequence, the Raceday Stewards reversed the placings of the third and fourth placed horses.