Chamonix put up a tough performance at Galway© Photo Healy Racing
Joseph O'Brien (put up a 1Ib over at 9st 1Ib) certainly knew he was on a dour stayer in Chamonix in the featured Listed Ardilaun Hotel Oyster Stakes at Galway and he utilised his mount's staying-power to the max when brining up a personal treble at Ballybrit.
Earlier successful on another Ballydoyle horse in Eye Of The Storm and on Iggy Madden's Cairdiuil the championship leader (4 in front of Pat Smullen) wasn't taking no for an answer on the Galileo colt despite his head being high for much of the journey.
O'Brien was right, as the three-year-old, equipped with cheek-pieces, had plenty more to give and he left his rivals floundering in the straight on the testing ground.
The Killarney maiden winner ended up crossing the line six lengths to the good from stable companion Demurely whilst the heroine of the hour on the opening night of the Festival, Midnight Music had to settle for third, three parts of a length back.
Joseph O'Brien (picked up a 2 day ban for the incident down the back) said: "He's tough and he tries. He'd be better on nicer ground. 'Dusty' (Shane Foley on Macbeth wanted to keep me in a bit tight (down the back straight) but I found plenty of room.
"He stayed on well and he is tough."
The Stewards enquired into an incident approximately seven furlongs from the finish involving the winner, Chamonix, ridden by J.P.O’Brien and Macbeth, unplaced, ridden by S.Foley.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that J.P.O’Brien had ridden carelessly(Rule 214) and having considered his recent record in this regard , suspended him for two race days.
(DM & EM)
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