Doyle earns riding fee as Grand Revival springs a surprise Former Ballydoyle inmate Grand Revival, by American Pharoah out of a Galileo mare, sprung a surprise on his third outing in the Fairyhouse Summer Season Claiming Race for Denis Hogan and Joe Doyle. The Premier Racing Club-owed three-year-old made Doyle earn his riding fee, much to the delight of anyone that got involved at 50s (opened 66s and touched 80s). Favourite Rosa Dartle disappointed at the back of the field, and meanwhile Grand Revival was niggled along after three furlongs. Doyle soon had to get more serious with him but he was comfortably on top at the line, by two lengths from Sea Sessions. In the aftermath there was just a friendly claim for the winner. There were four claims in but the owners were successful. Hogan also saddled the fourth home, Whyzzat, at odds of 100/30. “We thought he'd run well as we thought stepping up in trip and the easy ground would suit him but we weren't expecting that, I suppose,” said Doyle. “I'm really happy with him and hopefully we keep him now. “He's big and lazy but when you get stuck into him he gets his work done. Hopefully he'll stay improving.” The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Rosa Dartle, trained by M.Halford, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race. Samples were taken for analysis. R.P. Whelan, rider of Rosa Dartle trained by M.Halford, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped quickly. M.Halford, trainer of Rosa Dartle, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge may not have handled the soft underfoot conditions having previously raced on the AWT at Dundalk and may return to race on that surface again The Stewards requested a report from Denis Gerard Hogan, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Grand Revival (USA), placed first, as compared with its only previous runs at Dundalk and the Curragh. Megan Donovan, Authorised representative for Denis Gerard Hogan, reported that the ground conditions, the longer trip and the change of noseband may have been contributing factors to today's improved performance. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report. (GC & EM)
