In-form Murtagh puts another win on the board

"She was stepping back a little bit in trip but showed a lot of pace and seemed to improve again," said 5Ib claiming apprentice Denis Linehan after winning the Donnellys Of Barna Rated Race on favourite Sister Blandina at Galway. The Tulip had no luck trying to secure a run down the inner in this extended mile heat.

However the Johnny Murtagh-trained Sister Blandina arrived up travelling smoothly on the outer in the straight and she extended away inside the last to comprehensively account for Ontheiflist by four and a half lengths, despite edging right.

"She travelled great all the way around and dropping back a furlong or two was no trouble to her," further reflected Linehan. 

"She loves that soft, slow ground and won very impressively. The yard is in good form, Johnny (Murtagh) is at the Sales, and thanks to him for leaving me up on her today."

The Stewards enquired into an incident about one furlong from the finish involving Sister Blandina, ridden by D.P. Linehan, placed first and Ontheiflist, ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed second, where it appeared that Sister Blandina drifted across the path of Ontheiflist.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that D.P. Linehan had ridden carelessly and therefore suspended him for 2 racedays having taken his previous record into consideration.

O.J. Orr, rider of The Tulip trained by Edward Lynam, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount met with trouble in running.

The Stewards enquired into an incident about 200 yards from the finish involving The Tulip, ridden by O.J. Orr, placed third and Dochasach ridden by R.P. Cleary, placed fourth, where it appeared that The Tulip ran short of room when challenging on the inside of Dochasach.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned which included an admission by O.J. Orr that he took a chance going for a narrow gap.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that any interference was accidental in nature and took no further action.

(TW & EM)