Lord Lariat and Simon Torrens© Photo Healy Racing
Lord Lariat (11/8 favourite) delivered convincingly in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse.
Simon Torrens did the steering for Karl Thornton, and better treated in this sphere, than over flights, where he’s a two time winner, Lord Lariat beat Something Sweet by five and a half lengths.
The well-backed market-leader came forward nicely from a Punchestown second placing at the end of last month, and there could be more to come.
“He's a big baby and he's going on his holidays now,” said Thornton.
“A good friend of mine, PJ Casey, has a half share in him.
“He's a grand big horse and the boys want to give him a break which I think probably is the right thing to do.
“He's only five and he'll grow into himself. PJ is big into the showing and hunting, he picked him out and he hadn't much of a page.
“He jumped super and that's down to him, all the schooling is down to him.”
T. Ryan, rider of Avec Espoir (GB) trained by V. T. O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount jumped high in the early stages of this race.
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Vodka Society ridden by G.B. Noonan, and trained by David Peter Dunne.
Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. G.B. Noonan, rider, stated that had no previous association with this horse and was instructed to jump off at the rear of the field as his mount is claustrophobic and to do his best.
He described his ride from flag fall where his mount had jumped slowly over the first fence but settled well in a strong even gallop until getting onto the heels of the back markers going to the third last fence.
He added that he was squeezing and pushing at this point and then applied the whip but his mount had only plugged on past tired horses in the closing stages.
David Peter Dunne, trainer, confirmed the instructions but emphasised that his charge was a bad traveller who panics on raceday.
He described the animal as having plenty of ability and despite being twelve years of age, he thought that he could show better form if raced in the U.K with his travel arrangements well managed to help him to overcome his problem.
In his opinion he felt that the rider should have ridden closer to the pace instead of being detached from the back markers.
The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Vodka Society was post race normal.
Samples were taken for analysis.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations.
(GC & EM)
