Smiling Eliza and connections© Photo Healy Racing
With favourite Rockfish easy to back and running accordingly the door was left ajar for something else in the Boyne Handicap at Navan. Smiling Eliza was the one to make the most of her opportunity in the finale at Proudstown Park.
In the silks of the Gordon Elliott Racing Club Declan McDonogh got this daughter of Rock Of Gibraltar home by three parts of a length from strong finisher Baba Boom
The aformentioned Rockfish had no more to give in the final quarter mile and finished eighth.
"She's pretty uncomplicated. I had a nice lead around and she stuck at it well," said McDonogh.
"When she got there she had one ear up and one ear down so she might improve a little bit for a bit of headgear. I'm not saying she's un-genuine but it might just help her concentrate a bit."
The Stewards interviewed C.D. Hayes, rider of Roses Queen concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.
Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found the rider in breach of Reg. 10. 3.(f) by using his whip with excessive frequency and having taken his record into account suspended him for two race days.
(GC & EM)
