Augusta George (Neil Gault) ensures Dramatic License (Stephen Connor) will have to switch around© Photo Healy Racing
He had to survive a steward's enquiry but much to delight of local connections 8/1 chance Augusta George was confirmed victorious in the Killultagh Estates INH Flat Race, the finale this afternoon at Downpatrick.
Hanging left off the home turn in the hands of Neil Gault, the successful grey headed for the stand's rail and closed off the challenging Dramatic License but he seemed a sufficient margin in front and it appeared that the best horse won on the day.
Supported down from 11/1 on track and from bigger earlier, the eight times previously raced victor crossed the line with a length and a quarter to spare over Dramatic License.
Successful handler Billy Bryson wasn't saddling a winner for the first time on the racecourse proper - though it was quite some time since his last one.
The County Antrim handler triumphed with Viking Cove at the same venue all of 51 years ago.
Said Gault afterwards: "He did (hang off the bend), but he hung every day we ran him last year. He has been perfectly straight this year bar today.
"He stays all day long. For a small yard, he is 100 per cent fit today.
"I think the last day we were here we were second and it was a very good horse in front of us. He likes this track.
"They went too hot, they went very fast early on there and I was stone last.
"The last day in Sligo they were going that slow he trailed me to the front and made the running.
"That's three track winners for me now - two hurdles and one bumper."
The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the home straight involving Augusta George, ridden by Mr N. Gault, placed first, and Dramatic License, ridden by Mr S. Connor, placed second, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr N. Gault stated that his mount was hanging the whole way and everytime his mount was hanging he corrected him immediately. Mr S. Connor stated that he was impeded three times in the straight. He further added he felt Mr N. Gault didn't correct his horse properly. He concluded by stating he felt it had cost him the race. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that while Augusta George had caused interference to Dramatic Licence he did not improve his finishing position as a result of this interference so they made no alteration to the Judge’s placings. They were, however, of the opinion that Mr N. Gault was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his clean record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended him for two racedays.
Mr S. Connor, rider of Dramatic License, trained by S.R.B. Crawford, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was badly hampered three times up the straight.
(MG & EM)
