Buttons And Bows springs 25/1 surprise on debut

Newcomer Buttons And Bows sprang a 25/1 surprise in the opener at Cork, the Paddy's Super Enhancements Maiden Hurdle, scoring under Jody McGarvey for Pat Flynn and JP McManus.

Out of Galianna, who won six races in total, five of which were for Flynn, the bay four-year-old was settled in mid-division by McGarvey.

She was pushed along from early in the straight, and was fourth when switched to the inner before the final flight.

From there she stayed on best under pressure, hitting the front in the closing stages before going on to score by half a length.

Fellow outsider Jon Ess (20/1) ran a fine race to take second under Ricky Doyle for Conor O'Dwyer, while the 4/7 favourite Eclair De Beaufeu was a head back in third, with Davy Russell aboard this one for Gordon Elliott.

Flynn said afterwards: "She is a lovely filly and I trained her mother to win five races and she was actually our 500th winner at the time.

"She won her maiden hurdle so we won't get too excited and will move along from here and see what's coming up. She likes a cut in the ground.

"I wasn't really surprised myself she won as she was going very well at home but I didn't know what we'd meet today. She is a brilliant jumper and is stronger than her mother.

"It's great to win a race for J.P. and he bought her mother after she won a flat race and she won a maiden hurdle for him at Listowel."

STEWARDS REPORTS

A.E. Lynch, rider of Challow trained by T.G.McCourt, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left throughout the race.

C.D. Maxwell, rider of De Mazzaro trained by T.G.McCourt, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran free early on.

A. Ring, rider of Peking Flyer trained by Eamon Courtney, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a lot of mistakes and pulled up thereafter.

J.M. Moore, rider of Annie Iraya trained by M.A.Cahill, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount finished lame.

E.T. Daly, rider of Lady Lamplight trained by M.A.Cahill, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount gurgled during the race.

J.C. Cavanagh, rider of Design Matters (GB) trained by Robert Tyner, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a noise in running.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Design Matters (GB), trained by Robert Tyner, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be lame on the left fore post race.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Peking Flyer, trained by Eamon Courtney, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Design Matters (GB), ridden by J.C. Cavanagh, and trained by Robert Tyner. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned and Mrs Mary Tyner, authorised representative for Robert Tyner. J.C. Cavanagh, stated that his instructions were to settle his mount in mid division, get him jumping and do the best he could. He said his mount made a noise jumping the second hurdle down the back straight after which he gave him a breather and added that his mount made a mistake in the straight before staying on past tired horses and pulled up lame. Mrs. Tyner, confirmed the instructions given and expressed her disappointment with the ride until she heard the report from the rider that the animal had made a noise and had also pulled up lame. She added that the horse was suspect of his wind before this race. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, who stated that Design Matters was found to be lame on the left fore post race. Samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

The Stewards enquired into an incident after jumping the second hurdle involving Miss Cassy (GB), ridden by D.F. O'Regan and Design Matters (GB), ridden by J.C. Cavanagh, where it appeared Design Matters (GB) ran short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that D.F. O'Regan was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden improperly. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended D.F. O'Regan for 4 racedays.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Peking Flyer, ridden by A. Ring, and trained by Eamon Courtney who pulled up in this race in the home straight. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. A. Ring, stated that his instructions were to jump off in mid division, get his mount jumping and to do the best he could. He said his mount made numerous jumping mistakes and made no shape over his hurdles. He further added that his mount had no technique jumping. He felt the further the race went on, the more unstable his mount felt and he therefore, had no choice but to pull him up turning for home. Eamon Courtney, confirmed the instructions given and expressed his satisfaction with the ride, but was very disappointed with the jumping of his charge. He stated that his charge was very well schooled over easyfix hurdles and that he intended to school him over natural hurdles in future, in order to make him more competitive. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Peking Flyer was post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes