Rocky Court takes off at the last under Paul Townend© Photo Healy Racing
Having recorded a treble at Ballinrobe on Tuesday Paul Townend made it four winners from his last five rides as he partnered Rocky Court to victory in the It Pays To Bet With Tote Maiden Hurdle.
The Stephen Mahon trained six-year-old disappointed on his last two starts but was second at Limerick earlier this summer.
Backed from 8/1 to 11/2 on-course the son of Court Cave raced in second. He came with his challenge after the third last and was soon on terms.
He hit the front on the run to the last and kept on well under pressure on the run-in to score by three and a half lengths. Fill Your Hands (4/5 favourite) finished a disappointing second under Bryan Cooper for Tony Martin while Comehere Hi (11/2 to 4/1) was a further four and a quarter lengths back in third under Ruby Walsh for James Nash.
Stephen Mahon said afterwards: "The owner isn't here tonight as he lost a bit of heart in him. He didn't want to run.
"He ran awful bad in Galway. Barry (Geraghty) said then he'd never win a maiden and wanted three miles. "I half went with him after that and ran over two-and-a-half but something wasn't weighing up and sometimes you have to go with your own instincts. "The ground just went against him on his last two runs. He wants good ground. My home place is in Stamullen not far from here and I know this place can dry out in three hours.
"I told Paul all he does is gallop and he'll make a nice chaser."
STEWARDS REPORTS
R. Walsh, rider of Comehere Hi trained by J.A. Nash, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his saddle slipped sideways on his mount.
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Comehere Hi, placed third, ridden by R. Walsh, and trained by J.A. Nash. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned.
R. Walsh stated that his instructions were to settle his mount as she has been keen previously, try to get competitive about the 2nd last hurdle, and do his best from there.
He said the field went no gallop early and his mount ran keen as a result. He added he was happy enough leaving the back straight in mid division but as he turned for home, he noticed the tree of his saddle had slipped off the horse's withers down to the off side, and he had no option but to sit still until he had jumped the three hurdles in the homestraight.
It was only after jumping the last hurdle that he could give the horse a drive and she finished strongly.
J.A. Nash confirmed the instructions and expressed disappointment that the saddle had slipped as he thought she was capable of winning today.
The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Comehere Hi was Post Race Normal.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered.
The Stewards requested a report from S.J.Mahon, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Rocky Court, winner, as compared with its 2 most recent runs.
The trainer reported that he was very disappointed with his last two runs with no obvious excuses, firstly at Galway, and secondly at Ballinrobe over 2m4f on Yielding to Soft ground where he ran fine until 2 out before fading badly.
Today he applied a tongue-strap and back in trip on better ground may have brought about any apparent improvement in form.
Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanations offered.
G.N. Fox, rider of Hatch Hall (GB), trained by Karl Thornton, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount jummped poorly and lost his action.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
