Empire Line gains deserved win for the Stack team Easy to back he may have been but Empire Line (11/10 out to 11/8 favourite) got it done nicely in race three at Dundalk, the Marshes Shopping Centre Ladies Day Rated Race. Andrew Slattery donned the Magnier silks on the Fozzy Stack-trained course victor and he made all. Pushed along two furlongs out, Empire Line was ridden to assert and drifted left a furlong out. Keeping on well inside the final furlong, the victorious Holy Roman Emperor colt comfortably accounted for Annabelle Rock by four and a half lengths. “He did it well. I'd say it's a big advantage making the running there today, for whatever reason the way the track is riding,” said Stack. “All the winners seem to be making the running and winning by a long way. “He deserved to win as he's run into a couple of decent sorts throughout the winter including Ado McGuinness' filly the last night. “He's a good solid horse and hopefully he'll win a race or two again. We'll see what the handicapper does and make a plan.” The Stewards enquired into an incident at the start of this race involving Mid Winster (GB), ridden by B.M. Coen, Nitro Boost, ridden by W.J. Lee, and Empire Line, ridden by A.J. Slattery, where it appeared that Empire Line moved across before reaching the marker poles causing Mid Winster and Nitro Boost to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that A.J. Slattery was in breach of Rule 211 in that he failed to keep a straight line until reaching the marker poles, and Rule 214 in that he rode carelessly. Having considered his previous record in this regard, the Stewards suspended A.J. Slattery for 1 raceday in respect of Rule 211 and 1 raceday in respect of Rule 214. (GC & EM)
