Eric Bloodaxe and Tom Hamilton© Photo Healy Racing
Eric Bloodaxe (7s into 11/2) scored on debut to bring up a Joseph O’Brien treble at Fairyhouse in the Royalhousedraw.com (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race.
Very professional on debut, the successful Gigginstown House Stud-owned Saint Des Saints gelding went for his race down the inner in the straight under Tom Hamilton.
Odds-on favourite Ferny Hollow was too keen through the race and he edged away to his left at the business end.
Eric Bloodaxe ended up gaining the day by two and a half lengths, to add to the earlier gains of his stable companions Cerberus and Fakir D’Oudairies.
Gigginstown also had the third, fourth and fifth in this bumper, Ragnar Lodbrok Favori De Champdou and Flanking Maneuver
“He’d been working nicely at home but obviously in a bumper like that first time out it’s hard to be confident but we were hoping he’d run a good race," said O'Brien.
“To see him win like that first time out having never run in a point-to-point is very impressive.
“He’s a very nice horse and we’ll look at Leopardstown either at Christmas or in February. He’s a good prospect.”
For the Cheltenham Bumper Betfair introduced Eric Bloodaxe at 14/1.
The Stewards fined P.G. Fahey, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Somme Soldier in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91.
The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Somme Soldier in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90.
The Stewards enquired into an incident before the turn into the home straight involving Crosshill ridden by Mr F. Maguire, unplaced, Eric Bloodaxe, ridden by Mr T. Hamilton, placed first, Favori De Champdou (FR), ridden by Ms L. O'Neill, placed fourth and No Grey Area's ridden by Mr R.W. Barron, unplaced, where it appeared that Favori De Champdou ran short of room .
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that any interference caused was accidental and therefore took no further action.
The Stewards interviewed O.R. Brown, rider of Fun Light (FR), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.
Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that O.R. Brown was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his record they cautioned him on this occasion.
(AM & EM)
