Draco clears the last under Robbie Power© Photo Healy Racing
Draco for Aidan O’Brien and Robbie Power, got off the mark on his second start over hurdles as he ran out a facile winner of the Awards And Gifts Maiden Hurdle.
The five-year-old son of Hernando, who was recording his first career success on his ninth start, finished second on his hurdling debut at the Galway Festival and he was sent off the clear 1/3 favourite to go one place better today.
Having raced mainly in fifth he improved to take closer order from before the third last and lead after that flight.
Two of his rivals fell independently (Hunters Vision and Troubled Soul at the second last and this left him with a healthy advantage as he went on from there to score easily by six lengths. Mind The Pennies finished second under Davy Russell for William Durkan at 9/1 while Rufino (25/1) was a further four and three parts of a length back in third under Philip Rothwell for Brian O’Connell.
Frank Berry, racing manager to winning owner JP McManus, said afterwards: “He settled better today and jumped away. You couldn't ask for any better, he kept it simple.
"We'll look for a winners of one or a handicap now."
STEWARDS REPORTS
S.W. Flanagan, rider of Queen's Ballerina trained by David Harry Kelly, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount didn't jump well.
D.F. O'Regan, rider of Rocky Court trained by S.J.Mahon, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran very free early.
RUNNING & RIDING ENQUIRY
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Rocky Court, placed fifth, ridden by D.F. O'Regan, and trained by S.J.Mahon.
Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned.
D.F. O'Regan stated that his instructions were to get his mount settled, get him jumping and do his best. He said his mount was keen to post but the field went a good early gallop and he thought he had him settled but then they slowed the gallop right up and he got very keen, and he had to drop him right out to get him to switch off.
He added he was making up ground on the bridle around the home turn and over the third last because he wanted to ensure he finished out his race, suffered interference avoiding fallers at the second last and stayed on one paced to the line.
S.J.Mahon confirmed the instructions and stated that he was very satisfied with the ride. He said this horse has been tailed off on his previous 2 runs, and was on his last chance today.
He added he's a raw, immature horse, and he wanted to see him run well today and finish out his race to give his owner the encouragement to continue with the horse.
He felt his rider gave his charge every chance of running well and finishing his race well.
The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Rocky Court was Post Race Normal.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered.
Mr William Flood, Acting Steward, absented himself from this enquiry.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
