Alfie shows a liking for Naas again

On the go since 2011 All About Alfie (16/1) gained a second win over two miles three at Naas and a seventh career success all told in the Lawlor's Of Naas Feature Sponsor On January 5th Handicap Hurdle.

All About Alfie actually won this very event last year, and with blinkers replacing his usual cheek-pieces and with Eamonn Corbett again in the plate the veteran repeated the dose. Crack On Corrie finished third in 2018 and she was sixth this time around as favourite Eagle Roque outsider Olive D’haguenet and Capture The Action gave All About Alfie most to do.

Tom Foley 's runner beat that trio off by two and a half lengths, a head and half a length.

The result stood after a steward's enquiry. The rider of the second lost an iron close home. Olive D'haguenet was briefly checked on the inner under a furlong out.

“I needed it badly,” said Foley.

“He went back to the owner, he schooled him and he got caught up in wire. He gave a lot of trouble with a hind leg after and we were worried during the week as he was resting it and taking all the weight off it.

“Other than that we were thrilled with him. He's still able to do an ould bit even though age is coming against him. You can always depend a bit on him.

“He likes it here and that makes a difference as well, he'll hardly be around for another year though but we'll see what way it will be.

“A win is a win anytime and we're happy to get that out of him anyway.”

The Stewards enquired into possible interference about 150 yards from the finish involving All About Alfie, ridden by P.E. Corbett, placed first and Olive D'haguenet (FR), ridden by D.E. Mullins, placed third, where it appeared that Olive D'haguenet (FR) received interference.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judges placings and took no further action.

The Stewards enquired into possible interference inside the final 100 yards involving Eagle Roque (FR), ridden by B.J. Cooper, placed second and Olive D'haguenet (FR), ridden by D.E. Mullins, placed third, where it appeared that Olive D'haguenet (FR) received interference.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judges placings and took no further action.

Owing to the low lying sun, the Stewards granted permission for hurdles # 1 and 2 (the 2 hurdles in the straight) to be omitted from this race.

The Stewards interviewed B.J. Cooper, rider of Eagle Roque (FR), concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that B.J. Cooper was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency.

Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended B.J. Cooper for 1 raceday.

B.J. Cooper, rider of Eagle Roque (FR), trained by Paul Nolan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his saddle slipped back in the straight.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Vinabell trained by Shane Nolan, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be coughing post race.

At the request of the Stewards, E. O'Connell, rider of Vinabell, trained by Shane Nolan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount blew up before the turn into the straight, got a second wind and stayed on in the closing stages.

A.L.T.Moore, trainer of Midland Millie reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge was found to have kickback on endoscopic examination.

The Stewards interviewed P.E. Corbett, rider of All About Alfie, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that P.E. Corbett was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency.

Having considered his previous record and pursuant to R10(6), the Stewards suspended P.E. Corbett for 6 racedays.

(GC & EM)