Birrane puts a 2nd winner on the board

County Mayo trainer Fergal Birrane saddled his second winner when California Lad prevailed under Denis Linehan in division one of the Dundalk Stadium - Light Up Your Night Handicap.

Glenmoore got Killala-based Birrane off the mark here on November 3rd and with his horses running well it was only a matter of time before he added to his tally.

Here 7/1 shot California Lad justified support in from 9s on course, and from bigger earlier, keeping on well to lead in the closing stages having chased the leaders.

In the end California Lad had three parts of a length in hand over Jessamine

"We got him earlier on in the year from Harry Dunlop. He's a finicky kind of horse and it just took a while with him," said Birrane.

“We got the right distance with him tonight. We were trying him over a mile-and-a-half and a mile.

“He was a little bit keen at the start. I wanted him to get him up in fourth and fifth place to get him to settle in because if he sees a lot of light he gets buzzed up a little bit. Once he got him in behind he settled.

“We're going to campaign for the whole winter here hopefully. Hopefully we'll pick up a few more. That's the second winner I've had in the last few weeks and the horses are all going well.

“We'll have a good few runners in the next two or three weeks and we have some lovely horses to come out.”

The Stewards interviewed S.B. Kelly, rider of Masalai concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found S.B. Kelly in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) in that he used his whip with his arm above shoulder height.

Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards cautioned S.B. Kelly.

The Stewards interviewed D.P. Linehan, rider of California Lad (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, including his explanation for his use of the whip in this manner, the Stewards found D.P. Linehan to be in breach of Regulation 10.3 (g) in that he used his whip with his arm above shoulder height.

Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards suspended D. P. Linehan for 2 racedays.

(GC & EM)