Feels Des Mottes enjoys summer ground at Clonmel Nicely supported 13/2 chance Feel Des Mottes took the Team Powerstown Handicap Hurdle for Liz Doyle and Sean Flanagan at Clonmel. The French-bred Wogan’swood Syndicate-owned six-year-old led, and he was headed after the first, chasing the leader afterwards. After a slight mistake at the second and a mistake at the third, Feel Des Mottes led after three out. Ridden to assert before the last, the Wexford runner kept on strongly to defeat General Clermont by nine and a half lengths. Favourite Rich Belief was impeded more than once from before the straight and ended up in fifth place. "He won a maiden over two years ago in Killarney and it has taken a while to get him in the right frame of mind. He is quite a difficult ride, is very keen and if he can get someone to go a gallop and try settle in behind him is the key to him,” said Flanagan. "It worked out today and summer ground is crucial to him." S.F. O'Keeffe, rider of Caridadi trained by J. Morrison, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost its action. At the request of the Stewards, D. Meyler, rider of Rich Belief (GB), trained by Karl Thornton, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that things got tight due to pressure from the loose horse. The Stewards enquired into an incident on the turn for home involving Samba Dancer (FR), ridden by M.P. O'Connor, and Lusis Naturea (GB), ridden by S.A. Mulcahy, where it appeared that Lusis Naturea got tight for room on the rail. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. M. P. O'Connor stated that he was aware that there was a horse on his inside and was doing all he could to give him room. S. A. Mulcahy stated that he got tight for room on the rail but when he shouted at the rider on his outer, room became available. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that M. P. O'Connor was in breach of rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly. Having considered M. P. O'Connor's record in this regard the Stewards suspended M. P. O'Connor for one raceday. The Stewards reviewed an incident in the closing stages involving Lusis Naturea (GB), ridden by S.A. Mulcahy, placed fourth, Where's Bunny, ridden by A.W. Short, unseated rider and Dazzling Darren, ridden by J.M. Moore, unplaced, where it appeared that Dazzling Darren got tight for room and had to check. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. (TW & EM)
