Drama in Listowel finale as Nibblers wins at 40s

The win of 40/1 chance Nibblers Charm was overshadowed by the sickening fall of Doctor Duffy and Richie Deegan in the Listowel Vintners Association INH Flat Race, the closing race on Kerry National day.

Doctor Duffy (6/4jf) was close up in third and travelling best when he clipped heels and took a crashing fall a furlong and a half out. Thankfully Deegan was reported to have walked to the ambulance having been down for several minutes. He was concussed and taken to Kerry University Hospital for further assessment.

In the end the Ray Hackett-trained and Eoin O’Brien-ridden Nibblers Charm came home best to touch off the other joint-favourite Eileen O by three parts of a length.

"He was showing all the right signs at home and was doing everything right. I was afraid the ground might have been gone on him but he handled it okay," said Hackett on Nibblers Charm.

"Eoin says he'll get further and we were lucky that it was a two and a half miles bumper. He'll gallop all day and it's very hard to get to the bottom of him.

"He's a horse to go jumping with and wants three miles all day long."

The Stewards wished to enquire into possible interference about one and a half furlongs from the finish involving Doctor Duffy, ridden by Mr R. Deegan, a faller and Eileen O, ridden by Mr P.W. Mullins, placed second, where it appeared that Doctor Duffy ran short of room and fell.

Owing to the injury sustained by Mr Deegan in the fall, the IHRB Medical Officer informed the Stewards that Mr. Deegan was unfit to give evidence at this enquiry and in the circumstances the Stewards referred the matter to the Referrals Committee.

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the latter stages of this race involving Dancing In The Sky ridden by Mr T.D. Hyde, placed third and Eileen O, ridden by Mr P.W. Mullins, placed second .

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judges placings and took no further action.

(AM & EM)