Beau Satchel and Declan McDonogh get up to deny Apache Gold and Niall McCullagh© Photo Healy Racing
Down to a career low mark of 48 and with Declan McDonogh up for just the second time, Beau Satchel finally did what his trainer Ado McGuinness thought him long since capable of doing by going and winning a race – the Social Package Handicap at Cork.
The Indesatchel gelding seemed to revel in being ridden from off the pace after having had to overcome a wide draw in seventeen.
Even more so though, the four-year-old, nought from eleven previous to today, appeared to enjoy the challenge of securing a passage through (blocked on the rail inside the final quarter mile) and when eventually in the clear in the final furlong he fairly flew to pick up the front-running Apache Gold and score by half a length.
McGuinness disclosed: "He was going to the field after this if he ran badly. He's been one of the most disappointing horses I've ever had in that he's shown plenty at home but he's been so disappointing.
"We've had him two years and we were getting fed up with him.
"Today we were drawn out in the sticks and I told Declan to drop him out last and to just see what he does.
"He wants a cut in the ground and Declan gave him a great ride there. He's always been very lucky for me."
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the straight involving Reconsider Baby ridden by Miss J.M. Mangan, unplaced and Beau Satchel (GB), ridden by D.P. McDonogh, placed first. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action. Mr. M.O'Driscoll, Acting Steward, absented himself from this enquiry.
The Stewards interviewed N.G. McCullagh, rider of Apache Gold, concerning his use of the whip in this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f), in that he used the whip with excessive frequency and having considered his record, severely cautioned him as to his future responsibilities in this regard.
The Stewards requested a report from Adrian McGuinness, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Beau Satchel (GB), placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that his charge disappointed on his penultimate start , when running freely. Regarding his last run, he stated that the horse was unsuited by the good ground. He concluded by saying that today's change in tactics by dropping the horse out and the removal of cheekpieces seemed to help his charge return to form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanations offered.
(TW & EM)
