Ain't That A Shame (Rachael Blackmore) races on from Churchstonewarrior who 'misses' the last© Photo Healy Racing
An 80th winner of the campaign has Rachael Blackmore just two behind leader Paul Townend, the Tipperary woman’s latest success arriving aboard Ain’t That A Shame in the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle at Thurles.
Five to four second favourite Ain’t That A Shame was just edged out for market-supremacy by Churchstonewarrior (11/10).
The ‘jolly’ couldn’t match the Robcour-owned and Henry de Bromhead-trained Ain’t That Shame in the jumping stakes over the closing couple of flights.
Three lengths separated them at the line.
"I'm delighted with that, he stayed really well and Rachael seemed really happy with him,” said de Bromhead.
"He jumps and stays well, is a scopey big horse who has taken time but it is nice to see him come to himself.
"We'll look at the festivals and the three miles options, maybe the handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse.
"I'm looking forward to getting him over a fence next year."
Stowaway Pearl got Rachael Blackmore off the mark on this programme way back in 2011, in the lady riders handicap hurdle for 'Shark' Hanlon.
The Stewards received a report from Mr. P.L. Malone, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that J.C. Canavan, rider of Earths Furies weighed in at 1.9 lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted that this was the case. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that J.C Canavan was in breach of Rule 231 and having considered his record they suspended him for 1 raceday.
Mr J.G. Murphy, rider of Winter Fog trained by Daniel G. Murphy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung slightly and made a noise in running.
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Winter Fog, ridden by Mr J.G. Murphy, and trained by Daniel G. Murphy. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. Mr J.G. Murphy, stated that his instructions were to drop his mount out and race towards the rear. He said his mount ran keen early on, made a noise at the top of the hill on both circuits and also hung during this race. He said his mount was of limited ability and although it had finished third in a Point To Point previously, it had also disappointed and pulled up on a few occasions. Daniel G. Murphy, confirmed the instructions given and expressed his satisfaction with the ride. He said his charge was of limited ability and raced towards the rear and was held up throughout in order to get home on the unfavourable ground conditions. He concluded by stating that his charge was not capable of finishing any closer. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, who stated that Winter Fog was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that both rider and trainer were in breach of Rule 212.A(ii) and having taken their respective records in this regard into account, the Stewards suspended Mr. J.G. Murphy, rider, for 10 racedays, and fined Daniel G. Murphy, trainer, €2000. Furthermore, the Stewards suspended Winter Fog for a period of 42days as a consequence of the rider's actions in accordance with the provisions of Rule 212. C (d). Mr. R.E. Rohan, Chairman of the Stewards absented himself from this enquiry and Mr. E. Halley acted as Chairman.
(TW & EM)
