Madaboy Cross (nearest) jumps the last alongside Chestnut Brave© Photo Healy Racing
Kevin Brouder booted home his fourth winner of the week, as he partnered Madaboy Cross (6/1jfav) to victory in the second split of the Ryans Cleaning Event Specialists Handicap Hurdle.
A full-sister to stable mate Lilshane, the Tom O'Connor trained daughter of Beneficial was recording her first career success this evening, on what was her twenty-third start.
Having raced mainly in mid-division, the nine-year-old took closer order with just under a circuit to race, and was in a share of the lead with Chestnut Brave as they approached two out.
The pair had a good battle from there, with Madaboy Cross gaining the upper hand in the closing stages, going on to prevail by half a length.
Chestnut Brave, who was returned at 16/1, had to settle for second under Sean Flanagan for Shay Barry, while 25/1 chance Al Sakb was eleven lengths back in third. Game Line (25/1) completed the places in fourth, while Mlily who was the other joint-favourite, finished sixth.
O'Connor said afterwards: "She has been tipping on the door for a while and at last we did it. She was in great order all week and I was expecting a big run.
"I didn't think she would be happy on that ground but she handled that well and hopefully there'll be a couple more in her.
"She is a full-sister to Lilshane and the whole family have a quirk; sometimes if you don't go to the start with her she bolts. I don't mind as long as they are winning!
"You won't see Lilshane for three months as he has a bruise."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards enquired into possible interference between the last hurdle and the winning post involving Chestnut Brave, ridden by S.W. Flanagan, placed second and Madaboy Cross, ridden by K.J. Brouder, placed first, where it appeared that Malaboy Cross drifted towards Chestnut Brave and made contact. 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. They were, however, of the opinion that interference was caused by K.J. Brouder riding carelessly, this being a breach of Rule 214. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended K.J. Brouder for 1 raceday.
J.W. Kennedy, rider of Eclat Du Large (FR) trained by Michael G. Kennedy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was pulled up having made three bad mistakes on ground that was possibly too fast for him.
C.J. Orr, rider of Just Another Lady trained by V. T. O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right throughout before being pulled up.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
