Farragher keeps it "nice and simple" and Command delivers

The 75-rated Turbo Command deservedly got off the mark at the 11th time of asking in the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk Apprentice Maiden.

For Michael Halford and Adam Farragher the War Command gelding, the 10/11 market-leader here, made all, and he was clear entering the straight.

Pushed along under two furlongs out, the grey was ridden and stayed on well in the final furlong to account for Strange Times and Lilandra by a length and three parts and half a length.

“His rating probably entitled him to win. Adam kept it nice and simple on him,” said Halford.

“The owner (Sammy Hon Kit Ma) has been very good to us and has three two-year-olds with us as well. We had that good horse for him last year, Roman Turbo, who is out in Hong Kong now.

“He's a grand horse, very straight-forward and likes that surface.

“That'll do his confidence good and we'll go back handicapping with him. He's getting stronger in himself and enjoying his racing so we'll keep him going.”

The Stewards informed Sarah Lynam, trainer, that Abeona would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.

The Stewards interviewed Sarah Lynam, trainer of Abeona,concerning the suitability of her charge to be ridden by an apprentice rider, S. Ewing. Sarah Lynam confirmed that S. Ewing had ridden Abeona previously both on the track and in work, and she was satisfied that her charge was reasonably manageable for an apprentice to ride. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation offered and reminded Sarah Lynam of her future responsibilities under Rule 153.

The Stewards enquired into the withdrawal of Wee Pablo trained by Pat Martin, at the start of this race. Evidence was heard from Mr. J. Banahan, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Starter, Mr. D. MacGuinness, racecourse veterinary officer, and Mr. P. Martin, trainer. Having considered all of the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Wee Pablo had been correctly withdrawn by the Starter in accordance with Rule 208. The Stewards reminded the racecourse veterinary officer of his responsibility to be positioned properly at the start of a race.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Simon's Gang (GB) trained by James M. Barcoe was found to be lame on its left foreleg post race.

(GC & EM)