Glenloe (left) and Barry Geraghty just gets the better of Call The Taxie (Rachael Blackmore)© Photo Healy Racing
Gordon Elliott continued his fine afternoon at Navan by saddling a third winner in a row on the card with Glenloe in the John Lynch Carpets Maiden Hurdle.
The Kayf Tara full-brother to Cheltenham Festival winner Alfie Sherrin was strongly supported throughout the morning, and was further backed on track from 2/1 into 6/4 favourite.
Barry Geraghty ’s mount drew clear along with Call The Taxie from two out, and got the better of that rival by a neck following a protracted tussle up the hill.
The pair pulled 26 lengths clear of A Rated in third, while the Willie Mullins-trained Madurai was never involved and was reported to be lame post-race after finishing a remote fifth.
Elliott said, “He’s a grand horse but it was probably a weak enough race. He had his head in front at the right time. He’s bred to be a staying chaser as he’s a brother of Alfie Sherrin.”
The Longwood trainer, who recorded a record-breaking six-timer here last month, was successful earlier on the card with Death Duty and Automated
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards interviewed Rachael Blackmore, rider of Call The Taxie, concerning her use of the whip between the penultimate hurdle and the winning post. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that Rachael Blackmore was in breach of R10(3)(f) by using her whip with excessive frequency and therefore suspended her for 3 racedays having taken her previous record into consideration.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Madurai (GER), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be lame post race.
