Aprils Joy (far-side) just holds on under Conor Maxwell© Photo Healy Racing
A neck and the same distance twice split the first four home in the featured Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares’ Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick. Aprils Joy just held on for Gavin Cromwell and Conor Maxwell.
Fifth home, Back On The Bridle hampered sixth across the line, Shopping Around after the last. Following a steward’s enquiry there was no alteration.
Coming on nicely from a pleasing comeback effort on the Flat 25 days ago, Aprils Joy just held on from Joeswayornoway Third and fourth, Rain In Spain and Lighthouse Rose were also in there pressing strongly at the business end.
"She's a tough filly - she has won a point-to-point, a hurdle, a chase and a flat race. She's been good to me and she did it well,” said Maxwell.
"She was the one dropping back in trip and it was probably a bit short for her. I made plenty of use of her and let her roll down the hill.
"Ground is well enough watered, it is good and safe but she couldn't have it quick enough. She just lasted out to the line."
The Stewards enquired into possible interference approaching the home turn involving Shopping Around, ridden by P.J. O'Hanlon, placed sixth and Back On The Bridle, ridden by Shane Fenelon, placed fifth, where it appeared that shopping around ran short of room on the rails and checked. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. P.J. O'Hanlon stated that he kept a straight line going forward from the last hurdle and a runner to his front lugged across causing him interference. S. Fenelon stated that his mount was getting tired after the final hurdle and was lugging across to the rails. Having heard a shout he put his stick down however it was too late and the interference had already occurred. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings. The Stewards were satisfied, however, that S. Fenelon was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly. Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards cautioned S. Fenelon on this occasion.
(MG & EM)
