Robert Whearty with the delighted connections of Nostra Casa© Photo Healy Racing
Nostra Casa overcame a lengthy layoff to take the Tote Fantasy Who's In Your Stable Apprentice Handicap, on what was his debut for Paul Flynn.
Previously in the care of Dermot Weld and Brian Cawley, the well-bred Dubawi gelding has clearly had setbacks in training.
Returning to the track for the first time since January 2021, the seven-year-old came in for support early (28s to 15/2), but drifted late on to a starting price of 16/1.
Fitted with a tongue-tie and and cheekpieces for the first time, the Robert Whearty-ridden gelding raced in mid-division, taking closer order on the outer on the approach to the straight.
Pushed along to lead from the furlong pole, he soon stretched clear and came home four lengths to the good from Grappa Nonino in second.
The runner-up was returned at 10/3 under Jake Coen for Dermot Weld, while Lariat (10/1) was another length-and-a-half away in third.
Sent off the 2/1 favourite, Kalmira raced prominently but faded tamely when pushed along over two furlongs from home.
"We weren't sure because he'd been off such a long time but he's done an awful lot of slow steady work. He had leg trouble in the past so he probably enjoyed the ground," Flynn said.
"He had some great runs for Mr Weld and was only a few lengths behind Princess Zoe in a race at Navan one day. I'm delighted for the (No Leak) syndicate who have been very patient with him."
Bred by the Moyglare Stud Farm, the winner is a half-brother to Group 2 winner Forgotten Rules and Listed victor Vintage Nouveau.
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Kalmira, trained by Shane Crawley, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have a wound on the outside of her left fore coronary band and to have lost her left fore shoe.
D.N. Curran, rider of Keep Sharp trained by Adrian Sexton, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount lost his action going down the back straight and was lame when pulled up at that point.
C. Stone-Walsh, rider of Jomont (FR), trained by H.D. McGuigan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly to the right throughout this race.
Siobhan Rutledge, rider of Elle Dorado Rock trained by A.J.Martin, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that she had to check her mount turning into the straight.
J. Kearney, rider of Mythical Times trained by P.Cluskey, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was tight for room on the final bend.
The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident on the final bend involving Jomont (FR), ridden by C. Stone-Walsh, Kalmira, ridden by D. King, Elle Dorado Rock, ridden by Siobhan Rutledge, and Lariat (GB), ridden by J.A. Powell where it appeared that Jomont (FR), Kalmira and Elle Dorado Rock all checked. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In her evidence, Siobhan Rutledge stated that she was trying to hold her position when Kalmira checked and came back onto her racing line causing her to check. D. King stated that as other horses quickened by him, he had to check off heels. C. Stone-Walsh stated that his mount was hanging to the right and a gap appeared which he was unable to fill and had to take back. J.A. Powell stated that he knew that Kalmira was on his inner and he filled the gap when that horse dropped out of contention. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found that J.A. Powell was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly. Having considered his record in this regard, the Raceday Stewards suspended J.A. Powell for four racedays. Kevin Borthwick accompanied C. Stone-Walsh at this enquiry.
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
