Wrong Direction brings up first brace for Spillane

Wrong Direction availed of a drop in class to land the maiden hunters' chase at Cork.

The 11-year-old gelding travelled well into the lead approaching the home straight. He got in close to three out but still led from Easca Mor over the next.

The 5/6 favourite took a length out of the pursuer at the last and Johnny Hurley didn't have to get serious with him as he bounded away by four lengths.

Easca Mor got a runner-up reward at 50/1 and was six and a half lengths clear of Texas Gold (18/1).

The trainer's son Dinny Spillane said: "Things went against him all along as he had mucus in his lungs and couldn't shift it but we managed to get it out and it paid off thank God.

"He didn't run until he was an eight year old and won by 20 lengths on his first start.

"He had decent form and hopefully he can keep on that road now. We might go for a handicap chase with him now.

"That's our first double on the track."

Wrong Direction was unplaced in the Tetratema Cup on heavy ground at Gowran Park last month.

The Stewards interviewed Mr T.P. Harney, rider of Easca Mor, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was above the amount of strikes permitted, that he was inexperienced in riding out finishes in contention and that his mount tends to be a bit leery. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Mr. T.P. Harney was in breach of Regulation 10.3 (f) excessive force and 10.3 (g) excessive frequency. Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards suspended Mr. T.P. Harney for two race days.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes