Donovan delivers on Westernersunrise A field of 23 faced the starter for the Tote Never Beaten By SP Handicap Hurdle, with the James Fahey-trained Westernersunrise coming out on top. Owned and bred by Frank Reynolds, the six-year-old victor was fifth and fourth on recent starts at Limerick and Punchestown respectively. Sent off a 15/2 chance this afternoon, from 12s early, the 95-rated bay was settled behind the leaders by Philip Donovan, taking closer order from four out. Slightly hampered and losing momentum at the next, she was again inconvenienced when ridden in a share of second at the penultimate obstacle. Shooting to the front before the last, she found plenty for pressure on the run-in and drew clear to score by four and a quarter lengths. While appearing the most likely winner approaching two out, Joya Del Mar (20/1) had to settle for second under Liam McKenna for Dermot McLoughlin, while the Ross O'Sullivan pair of Nelson County (14/1) and Nettuno Italia (20/1) were third and fourth respectively. Well-supported from 20s, Glorytogod Tom was returned the 6/1 favourite and finished seventh. "It's great, she's a lovely mare over a trip," said Fahey. "We'll tip away and see what we can find for her, I can't wait to get her going chasing. "She stayed going, it looked turning in that she was going to finish third or fourth. She plugged on gamely. "It's nice compensation after Dancing Jeremy getting a tumble in the last. He's up and everything is alright with him so that's the main thing." STEWARDS REPORTS The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr D. M. Fitzgerald, rider of Glorytogod Tom, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was in breach of the regulation. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Mr. D. M. Fitzgerald was in breach of Regulation 10.3.i (time to respond) and having considered his record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended Mr. D. M. Fitzgerald for two racedays. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Wardens Whisper, trained by P.J. Rothwell, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be clinically abnormal post race. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
