Anchorage (nearest) comes through to lead under Seamie Heffernan© Photo Healy Racing
Anchorage made the breakthrough on his fifth start, as he ran out a comfortable winner of the Thurles Nursery Handicap.
Beaten by just a neck at the Galway Festival in July, he again filled the runner-up spot on his most recent start at the Ballybrit venue.
Making his handicap debut this afternoon, the Aidan O'Brien trained colt was expected to deliver, going off the clear 11/10 favourite under Seamie Heffernan.
Soon settled in a close second, the son of Galileo was ridden to challenge from the two furlong pole. He got to the front with a furlong left to race, keeping on well from there to score by four lengths. All In The Mind (5/1), who led from early, finished second under Mikey Sheehy for Pat Flynn, while Capitulation was half a length away in third.
Heffernan said: "He has a huge big frame and has probably been finishing a bit weak but I was more than happy with him today.
"He's immature but is improving."
STEWARDS REPORTS
C.J. MacRedmond, rider of Capitulation trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was denied a clear run.
N.M. Crosse, rider of Black Pepper trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stood in stalls.
The Stewards enquired into possible interference before the one furlong marker involving All In The Mind, ridden by M.P. Sheehy, placed second and Capitulation, ridden by C.J. MacRedmond, placed third, where it appeared that All In The Mind drifted towards the running rail and Capitulation was tight for room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence C.J. MacRedmond stated that he was getting a clear run on the rails position when All In The Mind came in and caused him to stop riding. M.P. Sheehy stated that his mount was wearing blinkers for the first time and took a good look at the road crossing, changed his legs, got onto the wrong leg and moved inwards. He admitted that he was unaware of the presence of another horse on his inner. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that while All In The Mind had caused interference to Capitulation, he did not improve his finishing position as a result of this interference so they made no alteration to the Judge's placings.
They were, however, of the opinion that M.P. Sheehy was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards suspended him for five racedays.
The Stewards reviewed an incident shortly after the start involving All In The Mind, ridden by M.P. Sheehy, placed second and Play By The Rules ridden by K.J. Manning, placed fourth, where it appeared there was contact between the two. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
