Meghan Donovan leads in Bal De Rio and Charlie Hart after their success in the third at Thurles© Photo Healy Racing
Bal De Rio provided Charlie Hart with his first success in the saddle, as the Denis Hogan trained eight-year-old finally made the breakthrough over flights in the thurles.ie Maiden Hurdle.
Hart, who is eighteen, is based with Hogan and is originally from Baltinglass in Co Wicklow.
Previously trained in France and the UK, Bal De Rio has been frustrating to following since arriving in Ireland and was placed on numerous occasions.
Backed from 9/1 to 5s this afternoon, the bay gelding was settled behind the leaders by Hart and took closer order from three out.
He had a good battle with Hamunderson (10/3) from the next and just half a length separated them at the line.
The front pair went thirteen lengths clear of the Paul O'Flynn trained Cregane Ned (66/1) in third, while Gorki D'airy (5/4f) faded tamely from three out and eventually pulled up.
"I'm with Denis (Hogan) a year and a half now and it's brilliant to finally get off the mark," said Hart.
"It's great to get the horse's head in front too as he has finished second ten times and was always unlucky. I was third on him here the last day and was second on him at Cork another day.
"I'm 18 and from Baltinglass in Wicklow and I'm looking to get as many rides as I can.
"My brother Jordan is also a jockey and has a ride later on this afternoon."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Gorki D'airy (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
At the request of the Stewards, Mr P.W. Mullins, rider of Gorki D'airy (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount never travelled.
At the request of the Stewards, A. McCurtin, rider of Mammy Shark trained by John J. Walsh, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was flat out for the first circuit and then stayed on by tired horses.
Rachael Blackmore, rider of Schone Aussicht (GER) trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her mount made a bad mistake at the third last.
The Stewards interviewed J.W. Kennedy, rider of Hamundarson concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he had used his whip with excessive frequency. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that J. W. Kennedy was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g, excessive frequency. Having considered J. W. Kennedy's record in this regard the Stewards cautioned him on this occasion.
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Cregane Ned, ridden by Mr M.J. O'Connor, and trained by Paul O'Flynn. Evidence was heard from the rider and the Authorised Representative for the trainer concerned. Mr M.J. O'Connor, stated that his instructions were to drop in two thirds of the way back and that his mount is a very difficult sort who dislodged him on the way to the start and had previously refused to race. Furthermore, he stated that his mount jumped well and was very fit but he felt that they had gone too quick up front and that his mounts fitness had then got him back into the race. Tom O'Flynn, Authorised representative for the trainer, confirmed the instructions given and expressed his satisfaction with the ride. He also outlined the difficulties that they have had with this horse. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Cregane Ned was distressed post race. Samples were taken for further analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence and the view of the Veterinary Officer, the Stewards noted the explanation given.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
