Settle For Bay and Donagh O'Connor© Photo Healy Racing
In a similar vein to the previous winner, Clear Skies Settle For Bay continued a steep upward curve when successful in the D Hotel, Drogheda Handicap at Dundalk.
Indeed both horses went off at the same odds — 11/8 favouritism — and in neither case was there ever much concern for backers of the market-leader.
Donagh O'Connor got the now four-in-a-row scorer home by a convincing length and three parts from Red Avenger
Winning David Marnane stated in the aftermath: "He's won his four and I'd say we'll give him a break now. He's obviously an exciting horse for the summer when he fills out another bit.
"He wasn't that green today and I liked the way he coasted up and did his job. Long term he could be a Royal Hunt Cup horse.
"He could come back for the Premier Handicap on Guineas weekend (at the Curragh) and there is a race for him in Naas as well."
The Stewards fined P.J. Rothwell, trainer, €350 for failing to lodge a passport in respect of Coherent, in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90.
The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Coherent.
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the straight involving Secret Wizard ridden by G.F. Carroll, Queensbrydge (GB), ridden by S. Foley, Red Avenger (USA), ridden by R.P. Cleary, and Alcatraz ridden by W.M. Lordan.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found R.P. Cleary in breach of Rule 214 by riding carelessly and having
taken his record into account suspended him for 1 race day.
D.E. Sheehy, rider of Sheisdiesel (GB) trained by Noel Meade, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his saddle slipped.
S. Foley, rider of Queensbrydge (GB) trained by K.J. Condon, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got tight for room in the straight.
(AM & EM)
