Arcanears delights Mrs Roper and Halford with another win under Whelan A Step Too Far failed in her bid for a 7th success in a row, finishing towards the rear, as Arcanears took the feature at Dundalk, the Scarefest Competition On Instagram Handicap. The Mrs Carol Roper owned and bred five-year-old gained a third course to add to a Curragh success. Ronan Whelan has been aboard for three of the wins. Here Arcanears (6/1 — 7/1 — 9/2 joint favourite) was powered home by Whelan, by a neck and the same from Breakfast Club and Independent Missy. “He belongs to a lady that has been a great supporter of ours for years, Carol Roper, and she'll really enjoy that winner,” said Halford. “He always runs great races so keeps himself high in the handicap all the time. That race suited him well tonight with the fast gallop from beginning to end. “Ronan gave him a lovely ride, everything opened up lovely for him and he battled really well. “We're delighted to win with him because he always wears his heart on his sleeve. “It was a very strong race and the real strong pace suited him. He loved that and he's an out-and-out six furlong horse. If they go a bit steady sometimes he gets tapped for a bit of pace.” C.D. Hayes, rider of Goodnight Girl trained by Sarah Lynam, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was struck into from behind in the last half a furlong. G.M. Ryan, rider of Laugh A Minute (GB) trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got no run. The Stewards enquired into two incidents in the closing stages involving Laugh A Minute (GB), ridden by G.M. Ryan, placed fourth and Goodnight Girl, ridden by C.D. Hayes, placed sixth, where it appeared that Goognight Girl was struck into in the first incident and where it appeared that Laugh A Minute ran short of room and had to check in the second incident. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that G.M. Ryan was in breach of Rule 214 (careless riding) in relation to the first incident and having considered his record, they suspended him for 2 racedays. In relation to the second incident, the Stewards were satisfied that the incident was accidental and therefore took no further action. (GC & EM)
