Franchise gets off the mark in €50,000 feature The Franchise swooped in the closing stages to break his maiden in the €50,000 JJ Mahon & Sons Handicap at the Curragh. The Joseph O'Brien-trained colt had chased home Hero Blues in maiden company at Fairyhouse on his last start and made a successful start in handicaps. 4/1 favourite Nation's Call moved smoothly through to lead passing the two pole in the nine-furlong contest but was collared in the closing stages. Declan McDonogh got a good tune from The Franchise to hit the front in the last 100 yards and record a half-length win over Booyea, who also stayed on to the line. “Declan gave him a great ride. He had some good form in maidens and he obviously enjoyed the step up in trip today,” said O'Brien. “It's a good pot to land, there is some great prize-money here this weekend and it's nice to win a good race on the Friday. We're looking forward to the weekend. “We might go to Galway with him for the mile race there. He's a nice horse. “The owners are American so he could potentially go there at some stage.” The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the final furlong involving Mr Lincoln (GB), ridden by G.F. Carroll, placed sixth, Save Your Love, ridden by B.M. Coen, placed fourth, and Tea Olive (FR), ridden by J.A. Powell, placed fifth, where it appeared Tea Olive (FR) had to be steadied and Mr. Lincoln checked on the rail. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. G.F. Carroll stated that he made the running and was running on one-paced when Save Your Love quickened past him and he took a check. B. Coen stated that he dropped in and didn't pick up until the final 150 yards at which point he had nowhere to go and he could either take off heels or try to get out of it. J.A. Powell stated that it took his mount time to get rolling and he anticipated the ground closing in front of him. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that while Save Your Love had caused interference to Mr Lincoln and Tea Olive (FR) the Raceday Stewards were satisfied he did not improve his finishing position as a result of this interference so they made no alteration to the Judge’s placings. They were, however, of the opinion that B.M. Coen was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden improperly and having considered his record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended him for seven race days.
