Heavy on numbers Approach pays off for Hilltop Racing

James McAuley’s Hilltop Racing fielded five for the HOLLYWOODBETS HORSE RACING AND SPORTS BETTING Claiming Race at Dundalk. They emerged with the one two, as Approach The City (12/1) got the better of Liberty Star (40/1).

Liberty Star edged right in the closing stages, not helping odds-on favourite Leadership Race at all. He was struggling in any case but it was no surprise at all when a steward’s enquiry was called.

The judge’s placings of a head and a length and three parts between Approach The City, Liberty Star and Leadership Race were confirmed after the enquiry.

“He’s very keen and I just thought it was worth a try dropping him back in trip in a race like that. I’m not sure you’d drop him back like that in a handicap,” said McAuley on the Donagh O’Connor-ridden victor.

“He’s grand for that grade. We paid two thousand for him and he’s won two claimers. He’s a good fun horse.

“We schooled him over hurdles last week and he jumps well. If he’s not claimed I’d say we’ll run him over hurdles this summer.”

- Claiming details Pachmena 12,000 to be trained by Gavin Cromwell

Liberty Star (6 claims) 7,000 to be trained by Gavin Cromwell Mulzamm 7,000 to be trained by Denis Hogan

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Leadership Race, ridden by C.T. Keane, placed third and Liberty Star (GB), ridden by Sam Ewing, placed second, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. C. T. Keane stated that his mount had burst a blood vessel and his race was run and that the interference did not cost him anything. Sam Ewing stated that his mount hung right but that he felt he had done all he could to prevent it. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that while interference did occur, no horse improved its finishing position as a result of the interference and so they made no alteration to the judge's placings. They were however satisfied that Sam Ewing was in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered Sam Ewing's record in this regard the Stewards suspended Sam Ewing for one raceday. Sam Ewing was accompanied by Ms. K. Lyons at this enquiry.

Following a request from broadcasters, the Stewards granted permission for the following delays: Race 2 3 minutes

C.T. Keane, rider of Leadership Race trained by G.M.Lyons, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel.

Sam Ewing, rider of Liberty Star (GB) trained by James McAuley, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right in the straight.

The Stewards received a report from Mr. P. L. Malone, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that L.T. McAteer, rider of Haayem (FR), weighed in at 1.1 lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted that this was the case. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that L. T. McAteer was in breach of Rule 231(iii) and having considered L. T. McAteer's record in this regard the Stewards cautioned him on this occasion.

(AM & EM)