The Red Menace and Mark O'Hare© Photo Healy Racing
Athlone owner/breeder Denis Hannon has a nice young horse on his hands and the Noel Meade-trained The Red Menace made it two from two in the Dr. Louis O'Carroll INH Flat Race at Listowel today.
As was the case at Sligo on May 6th, again Mark O'Hare was in the plate on the Mountain High gelding (that sire had a winner earlier on the card with Padraic O'Conaire) and his best work came at the finish.
Indeed O'Hare alluded to that fact post-race after The Red Menace had seen off Macgiloney and Getareason by two lengths and three lengths.
"He stays but is still immature mentally. He was leading on the wrong leg, on and off, and was on and off the bridle but copped on at the end, same as at Sligo," said O'Hare.
"It's great and he is only a four year old who is doing his best work at the finish so the sky's the limit."
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Willing trained by Joseph G. Murphy, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be clinically abnormal post race.
Mr D.L. Queally, rider of Willing trained by Joseph G. Murphy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped quickly.
Mr R.O. Harding, rider of No Holdenback trained by Augustine Leahy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost her action.
The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Macgiloney, ridden by Mr J. Hogan, placed second and The Red Menace, ridden by Mr M.J. O'Hare, placed first, where it appeared interference occurred.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found Mr. J. Hogan in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly.
Having taken his record in this regard into account, the Stewards suspended Mr. J. Hogan for 1 raceday.
(TW & EM)
