Johnny springs a surprise on Jimmy

Willie Murphy had an extra reason for pleasure having trained the first winner at Sligo, Johnny Suku (25/1). Himself and his family stand Johnny Suku's sire, Alkaadhem, at their Ballycurragh Stud in County Carlow.

The Green Desert horse, retired to stud in 2007, has already sired winners such as Lake George and here his son, ridden by Barry Cash and equipped with blinkers for the first time on this occasion, went out and made all in the two mile Sligo GAA Race Day 19th August Maiden Hurdle.

Previously pulled up in three point-to-points, the latest of which was just eleven days ago, Johnny Suku made a slight mistake at the last but he still managed to fend off two to one on favourite Jimmy Two Times by a length and a half.

Murphy acknowledged: "Sligo has been lucky for us – that's our second winner from only three runners."

He then praised Cash and spoke of Johnny Suku by saying: "It was a very good front running ride from Barry. I think he's a very good horse though and he just wasn't finishing out his point-to-points.

"I don't think there was any fluke about this. The blinkers helped to make him concentrate.

"He was like a chap in a nightclub – he was too busy looking around him."

R.C. Colgan, rider of Busted Case trained by S.J.Mahon, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung badly in running.

G. Malone, rider of Fuego Negro trained by A.L.T.Moore, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount cocked his jaw, ran out off the bend past the stands and was pulled up.

The Stewards received a report from I. Hamilton , Turf Club Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that R.M. Moran , rider of Snaidhm , weighed in at 2.5 lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who stated that he had no difficulty in doing the weight and had a drink after weighing out. He added that on weighing in he had left the breast girth on the saddle as he felt that he would be within the limit allowed.

Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that R.M. Moran was in breach of Rule 231 and they therefore suspended him for 2 racedays having taken his previous record into consideration. Mr P.J. O'Connor, Acting Steward, did not attend this enquiry. (AM & EM)