Fruits makes the most of his chance

The defections of the J P McManus-owned pair, Sir Abbot and Whatsforuwontgobyu weakened the Join Tipperary Supporters Club (C & G) Maiden Hurdle but that will have mattered little to the Clare Galway Syndicate and Paul Gilligan, owners and trainer of the eventual winner Fruits Of Molly

Gilligan again turned to his old Berties Dream Cheltenham Festival winning ally from 2010, Andrew Lynch, and he had 3/1 favourite Fruits Of Molly chasing the leaders from the outset.

The successful five-year-old improved to lead at the fourth last and he asserted two out. Soon clear Fruits Of Molly crossed the line thirteen lengths to the good from Siobhans Beauty

"It was well deserved. He ran alright a couple of times. His run behind Shield (2nd at Cork in May) was enough to win plenty of races," reasoned Gilligan.

He then revealed: "He'd prefer more of an ease and I nearly took him out but I said I'd let him take his chance.

"He'll get further and he's the first horse and first winner for the syndicate. It's the O'Shea family who are based in Clare and Galway."

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Delvin Road ridden by S.D. Torrens, and trained by A.J.Martin. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. S.D. Torrens, stated that his instructions were to jump off about three-quarters way back in the field, pop away and to do his best. In the race the horse took a keen hold early on, he got him settled, gave him a squeeze in the straight and he ran on under hands and heels. He knew the horse from home and was mindful that it has had leg problems and that the ground was faster than ideal for this horse.

A.J.Martin, confirmed the instructions. He stated that this horse has missed a number of engagements due to unsuitably fast ground. He reluctantly allowed the horse to run today but he would ideally want more ease in the ground. The horse was fit and well but he regretted that he hadn't waited for ground with more cut.

Regarding the ride, he stated that he had instructed the rider not to resort to the whip given that the ground was not ideal. However he was not satisfied with the ride and felt the rider should either have made more effort or pulled up if he felt the horse was unhappy on the ground. He was of the opinion that the horse could have been placed had more effort been made.

The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Delvin Road was post race normal.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the trainer's explanation. The Stewards however found S. D. Torrens in breach of Rule 212 by failing to take all reasonable measures to obtain the best possible placing and having taken his record into account suspended him for 14 days and ordered him to forfeit his riding fee.

Andrew J.McNamara, rider of Old Storm trained by John Joseph Hanlon, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was very difficult on the way to the start, ran awkwardly, and hung and jumped poorly.

(TW & EM)