Drying ground very much to Commanche's liking at Leopardstown

The Anton O’Toole Mares Handicap Hurdle saw She’s Commanche (9/1) turn an apparently competitive heat into a race where she really took command in Leopardstown’s fourth.

For Adrian Murray and Sean Flanagan the successful daughter of Getaway beat Trickey Trix and Demi Plie by seven lengths and three parts of a length.

Favourite Klassy Kay faded into sixth place in a two and a half miler where She’s Commanche was held up early.

Soon racing in mid-division she made progress into sixth before two out where she made a slight mistake.

Coming with her effort entering the straight, She’s Commanche was ridden to lead before the last, keeping on strongly on the run-in.

“She was much happier on that ground. She struggles on soft ground,” said Flanagan.

“She worked nicely the other day and quickened up well there today.”

P. Townend, rider of Klassy Kay trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped quickly off the final bend.

The Stewards enquired into an incident rounding the final bend involving Demi Plie, ridden by Miss A.B. O'Connor, placed third, Klassy Kay, ridden by P. Townend, placed sixth, Trickey Trix, ridden by C.A. Landers, placed second and She's Commanche ridden by S.W. Flanagan, placed first, where it appeared that there was tight riding with some interference caused.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Miss A.B. O'Connor stated that her mount was not travelling well enough to keep her position and pulled out of the tight situation.

C.A. Landers stated that there was general bunching at the time of the incident and he was tightened from both sides.

P. Townend stated that having jumped the second last hurdle very well, he was unable to pick up to take the inner and came around the leader.

S.W. Flanagan stated that his mount had jumped straight at the last hurdle and he brought his mount back onto the correct path but the field bunched at this point.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that any interference caused could not be attributed to any particular rider and therefore took no further action.

J.P. O'Sullivan, rider of Wild Caprice trained by Thomas James, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled during this race before being pulled up.

(AM & EM)