Dream Conti delivers for Gigginstown and Meade Well-backed favourite Dream Conti (7/4 into 5/4) came out on top in the big field I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle at Naas. The second last in this two mile three furlong contest was bypassed as jockey Sean O'Keeffe (suspected broken collar-bone) was receiving attention after a fall he took off Gracious Gamble on the previous circuit. Chapati had fallen and taken out Empire Escape and Gracious Gamble, whilst second market choice Envious Editor (13th eventually) was badly hampered in the same incident. Newcomer Glamorgan Duke ran well from the front but Sean Flanagan was just waiting to push the button on Dream Conti in the straight. Envol Pierji kept him up to his work on the run-in and a length and three parts eventually split them with two and a quarter lengths to the aforementioned Glamorgan Duke in third. Noel Meade trains Dream Conti for Gigginstown House Stud and the Tu Va handler said: “I thought he was my best chance of a winner at Leopardstown at Christmas and I think we over played him a bit. We let him roll a bit too strong, and I know today’s race was easier. “He’s a nice horse and will be a lovely chaser next year.” R.M. Power, rider of Envious Editor trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was nearly brought down after the third and lost his action later in the race. C.D. Maxwell, rider of Gangsters Paradise trained by Ian O'Connor, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount burst blood vessels and stopped turning into the straight. The Stewards interviewed Gordon Elliott, trainer, in relation to the late withdrawal of Cool Getaway from this race. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that this was a horse which had an injury previously and having consulted with riders who had ridden in the first race, he was concerned with the suitability of today's going for his charge. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards accepted the explanation offered and took no further action. (AM & EM)
