A Sure Cert at 28/1 to keep excellent form of McAteer going Luke McAteer continued a golden run aboard Sure Cert (28/1) in the Fairyhouse Apprentice Handicap. An eighth winner from thirty three rides in the past three weeks for a very healthy level stakes profit, McAteer was always on the front end here, aboard handicap first timer Sure Cert. Tom Foley has care of this Dandy Man filly for his daughter Sharon, and in truth the four-year-old dominated this from the start, along with Tony The Gent. She eventually got the better of Tony The Gent by half a length. “I was up there the whole way but I knew she'd keep going,” said McAteer. “She's actually shown a good bit of promise and works well at home. “I'm delighted for the girls in the yard as they've done so much work with her.” At the request of the Stewards, J.A. Powell, rider of Kosman, trained by J.P. Murtagh, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was very awkward leaving the stalls and his saddle slipped. A.J. Farragher, rider of Eglish (GB) trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was awkward leaving the stalls and hung right throughout. The Stewards interviewed P.A. Harnett, rider of Tony The Gent, concerning his use of the whip in closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found P. A. Harnett in breach of Regulation 10.3.(g) excessive frequency. Having considered P. A. Harnetts record in this regard the Stewards suspended P. A. Harnett for two racedays. (GC & EM)
