Carlas Big Jim doing Archdeacon proud Carlas Big Jim showed his mettle as he rallied to win the two and a-half mile handicap hurdle on Gowran's card. He dictated under Cal Shine, but the pair were collared two out by Dgalwaygallivantor who took a narrow lead. Shine didn't panic, though, and kept his mount rocking and rolling on the inner and they got back on terms at the last. Carlas Big Jim touched down with the lead and refused to buckle as he forged on in the closing stages by three and three-quarter lengths at 13/2. Dgalwaygallivantor, the well punted 9/2 favourite, had to settle for a runner-up reward, but was four-and-a-half-lengths clear of Cosmo Renfro (6/1). Carlas Big Jim defied a 7lb rise in the weights for winning a Clonmel handicap hurdle over a shorter trip last month. Trainer Louis Archdeacon said: “He’s easy to train, does his own thing at home and performs very well for us on the track. “The horse is growing up, he’s a big shell really, and I think there is more to come from him. “He probably got an easy lead, but he acts well on that ground. Cal knows him very well and he says he jumps better when he’s up there. “We might run him next in a qualifier for the Full Circle Series at Mallow.” The Raceday Stewards enquired under Rule 212.A.(ii), into the running and riding of seventh-placed Cher Why Not, ridden by Mr D. Doyle ,and trained by Timothy Doyle. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. Mr D. Doyle stated that his instructions were to jump off mid division, get into a rhythm and give his mount the best chance of running to his full potential. He further stated that turning for home he felt his mount take one or two blows and became outpaced. He did not want to give his mount too hard of a race after his chance of winning was gone. Timothy Doyle confirmed the instructions but also added that the rider should have made more of an effort down the straight. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found Mr D. Doyle in breach of Rule 212.A.(ii) (in that he was not seen to have attempted to obtain from his mount timely, real and substantial efforts to achieve the best possible place). Having considered his record in this regard (first offence), they suspended him for ten racedays. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Cher Why Not at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were taken for further analysis. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
