Gamble goes astray as Sayitfirst bounces back to her best A gamble went astray in the Jimmy Murray Agri Services Handicap Hurdle, with Sayitfirst coming out on top under Diarmuid Moloney. Turned out again quickly after finishing a well beaten sixth at Listowel on Thursday, the Darren Collins-trained victor was returned at 18/1. Prominent early before settling in second, the daughter of Sageburg improved into a share of the lead after four out and gained a narrow advantage before the next. Ridden away from the final flight, she soon extended her advantage and came home a length and a quarter clear of gallant front-runner Single Edition (8/1). The front pair dominated from flag fall, with Malbas (10/1) all of seven lengths away in third and Moulane West (17/2) another length and a quarter back in fourth. The Gavin Cromwell-trained Shahbaz was the gamble of the race and from 12/1 in early shows, he eventually went off the 11/8 favourite. Beaten from early in the straight, he trailed home in thirteenth. "Diarmuid said she liked the ground. We thought she liked a bit of nicer ground but she probably likes a little bit of a cut in it," Collins revealed. "We were disappointed the last day in Listowel. She ran fairly well but the ground caught her out down there. "We have a club (Profit In Your Pocket Racing Club) set up and she's won twice for them. She's a nice mare." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Shahbaz, trained by Gavin Cromwell, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were also taken for further analysis. * The Raceday Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Mr. P.L. Malone, regarding the failure of G. Brouder, rider of Arthur's Victory, placed sixth to weigh in after this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he did not think he had finished in sixth position and furthermore, he did not see his name on the board and proceeded to the changing room. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards using their powers under Rule 230, disqualified Arthur's Victory from sixth place. As a consequence, they amended the result to read as follows: Amended result: First: Sayitfirst Second: Single Edition Third: Malbas Fourth: Moulane West Fifth: Wendell's Lass Furthermore, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that G. Brouder was in breach of Rule 227 and having considered his record in this regard, they suspended him for two racedays and ordered him to forfeit his riding fee. * J. Coen, rider of Thunder Rose, trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount pulled up injured. * The Raceday Stewards interviewed H.E. Sexton, rider of Mr Sundancer (GB), concerning his use of the whip in closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who apologised for his actions and stated that it was a genuine lack of experience. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that H.E. Sexton was in breach of R.10.3(b)(unnecessary use when out of contention) and having considered his clean record in this regard, they suspended him for two racedays. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
