Edene D'Arc and Davy Russell© Photo Healy Racing
The market proved spot on in the maximum field Philip Ireland Tyres Maiden Hurdle that started the card at Gowran - Edene D'Arc (15/8 into evens) leading them home under Davy Russell.
Gordon Elliott's winner hit the last alright, but she was in control at that stage, the course bumper victor going on to account for At The Acorn (13/8 out to 5/2) by three and a quarter lengths. Drop The Anchor (9/2 into 4/1) finished four and a quarter lengths back in third.
“She won a bumper on soft ground here last year, and the ground hasn’t been soft enough on her last few starts. She did that well and deserved it," said Elliott.
“If we could get some black type on soft ground for her somewhere that would be great.”
At the request of the Stewards, D.J. McInerney, rider of Arizona Flyer trained by Michael Winters, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was very green, jumped left and also made a noise at the top of the hill.
A. McCurtin, rider of Sir Popple trained by Timothy Doyle, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a bad mistake in the back straight.
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Arizona Flyer, ridden by D.J. McInerney and trained by Michael Winters.
Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned.
D.J. McInerney, stated that his instructions were to jump off in mid division, give his mount plenty of light, get her jumping and do the best he could. He said he was further back than he would have liked after his mount got a fright at the first when another runner made a mistake, that his mount ran very green throughout and jumped left throughout.
He added his mount made a noise at the top of the hill, after which he held her together in the closing stages in an attempt to get home on the soft ground.
Michael Winters, confirmed the instructions given and stated that his charge is a highly strung mare. He outlined the schooling his charge had received prior to the run and expressed his over all disappointment with her jumping and with how green she travelled throughout.
He concluded by stating that the rider could have been seen to ride his mount out more in the closing stages, but was unsure if a better finishing position could have been achieved.
The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, who stated that Arizona Flyer was post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation offered by Mr. Winters in relation to the running and riding of Arizona Flyer, but severely cautioned D.J. McInerney concerning his responsibilities under the provisions of Rule 212 and advised him to familiarise himself with his obligations.
Furthermore, the Stewards were of the opinion that D.J. McInerney was in breach of Rule 213 in that he had failed at first instance, to report something which may have affected the performance of his mount.
Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards suspended D. J. McInerney for 1 raceday.
(AM & EM)
