Fastidious and Declan McDonogh get the better of Harpist and Billy Lee© Photo Healy Racing
Fastidious recorded his third career success as he made all to take the Ladbrokes Virtual Handicap under Declan McDonogh for Michael O’Callaghan.
Last seen finishing twenty-four and last in the Joe McGrath Handicap at the Curragh in September, the five-year-old son of Exceed And Excel was sent off a 9/1 chance this evening.
After breaking smartly from the stalls, the bay gelding went straight into the lead, and he came under pressure as they entered the straight.
He responded well to his jockeys urgings, keeping on well close home to fend off the challenge of Harpist (7/1) under Billy Lee for David Wachman. Doc Holliday finished a further two lengths back in third under Robbie Downey for Edward Lynam, while Captain Cullen who was sent off the 10/3 favourite (5/1 overnight with Paddy Power) could only manage fifth under Colin Keane for his father Ger.
Michael O’Callaghan said afterwards: "He won well and I thought he would run well, but I thought he might need it. He hasn’t been off the bridle at home this year.
"The race kind of fell into his lap, but he galloped all the way to the line.
"I doubt you will see him back here, I was giving him the run to have him right. I wanted to get a run into him here.
"That is my second runner with a full licence and the other one was third. I’ve got sixteen 2-y-o’s for the season and four older horses, and I’m delighted with that win, at least the horses are health."
STEWARD ENQUIRY
The Stewards enquired into possible interference shortly after leaving stalls involving Captain Cullen, ridden by C.T. Keane, Iron Major ridden by P.J. Smullen, Doc Holliday, ridden by R.P. Downey, and Ask Dad (GB), ridden by A.P. Thornton. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr Gerard Keane, also attended this enquiry representing apprentice R.P. Downey.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found A. P. Thornton in breach of Rule 211, in that he failed to keep a straight line until he had passed the Marker Poles. The Stewards cautioned him for this breach of rule. The Stewards also found him in breach of Rule 214 by riding carelessly and having taken his record in this regard into account they suspended him for two race days
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
