Walsh completes 363/1 Limerick treble

John Joe Walsh completed a 363/1 Limerick treble (earlier successful with Never Again and Instant Smile as his Monasteradenpauric got the better of Seskinane in the Irish Field Handicap Hurdle.

Successful in a maiden hurdle at Killarney in May, this eight-year-old son of Shantou ran a fine race to finish second at Limerick on his return to action over Christmas.

Sent off the 5/2 favourite today he was settled towards rear by Brian O'Connell.

He improved into a closer third after three out and went in pursuit of leader Seskinane as they turned into the straight.

He had a good battle with that rival from the second last, hitting the front on the run-in before going on to prevail by half a length.

Seskinane (3/1) had to settle for second under Gary Noonan for Brian McMahon, while Brand Ambassador (6/1) was sixteen lengths back in third under Kevin Sexton for Gordon Elliott.

John Joe Walsh said afterwards: "I had a treble years ago and that's just my second one although we've had four doubles already this season.

"He was drunk in the closing stages but is a good genuine horse and will get a good break after that. Whenever the ground gets good he'll be left off."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards fined Gordon Elliott, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Brand Ambassador, in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.

The Stewards interviewed B.T. O'Connell, rider of Monasteradenpauric, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stage of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g), in that he had used his whip with the arm above shoulder height and Regulation 10.3(e), in that he had used his whip other than down the shoulder or the hind quarters. Having considered his previous record in this regard, the Stewards suspended him for four racedays and ordered that he attend R.A.C.E for one day's tuition on the correct use of the whip.

M.J. Bolger, rider of Dare To Endeavour (GB) trained by E. McNamara, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a noise and was pulled up thereafter.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes