Fourhometwo (Ben Coen, far-side) gets the better of Khartoum (Ryan Moore)© Photo Healy Racing
Fourth in the Derby earlier with Earlswood Johnny Murtagh and Ben Coen landed the Listed Dubai Duty Free Celebration Stakes at the Curragh with Fourhometwo (4/1).
A daring winning ride was produced by Royal Ascot victor Coen, as he got up the inside of Ryan Moore on Khartoum (a well-backed 7/2 shot) in the final furlong. Storm Legend who eventually finished last, was hampered about a furlong out by Coen’s manoeuvre (5-day careless riding ban).
However it was do or die for Coen at that stage and Fourhometwo eventually got the better of Khartoum by half a length.
“He needs a good pace and we had that to aim at. He’s a nice horse for all those races and is improving the whole time,” said Coen.
“He’s a bit buzzy but he’s getting better with every run. I like him.”
Meanwhile on Earlswood the Tipperary youngster reflected: “It was a messy race but he didn’t disappoint us and he ran a cracker. He showed that he’s able to compete with them and he’ll be back.”
G.M. Ryan, rider of Saltonstall (GB) trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got very upset in stalls and also got bumped inside the final furlong.
C.D. Hayes, rider of Storm Legend trained by J.A.Stack, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got wiped out at the furlong pole.
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Fourhometwo (GB), ridden by B.M. Coen, placed first and Storm Legend, ridden by C.D. Hayes, unplaced, where it appeared Storm Legend had to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. B.M. Cohen stated that he misjudged the gap on his inside and thought he was clear of Storm Legend. C.D. Hayes stated that he was just timing his challenge when his run was impeded by Fourhometwo going for a gap which opened in front of him. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that B.M. Cohen had ridden carelessly and considering his record in this regard, they suspended him for 5 racedays.
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Saltonstall (GB), ridden by G.M. Ryan, placed fifth, Georgeville (GB), ridden by C.T. Keane, placed sixth, State Of Rest ridden by S.M. Crosse, placed third and Belle Image ridden by R.P. Cleary, unplaced, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. G.M. Ryan stated that he was making a challenge when having to check due to pressure from his inside. C.T. Keane stated that his horse rolled out from the horses on his inside. S.M. Crosse stated that his horse exaggerated a maneuvre around the horse in front of him. R.P. Cleary stated that he received pressure from his inside but it did not affect his run. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that S.M. Crosse had ridden carelessly and considering his record in this regard, suspended him for 2 racedays.
(AM & EM)
