Kaminari leads home Lyons one two

It had only been a fortnight since we'd seen Crafted Mastery (well-backed even money favourite) whilst in the case of her stable companion Kaminari (4/1) her last run had been back in September. That may have explained their respective positions in the betting but in this case it was the Ger Lyons 'number two' that got the job done in the hands of Emmet McNamara.

The 'jolly' lost her place two furlongs out and that looked to be Colin Keane's mount 'gone.'

Kaminari meanwhile was fighting off all comers up front. Distinct Hand ran a huge race on her debut at 50/1 for Wexford owner and trainer Pat O'Rourke but it was eventually Crafted Mastery that came through to threaten to pull things out of the fire.

'At the death' the triumphant Qatar Racing Limited expensive daughter of Sea The Stars crossed the line a length and a head to the good from Crafted Mastery and Distinct Hand.

Kaminari had travelled well to over two furlongs out and didn't enjoy the clearest of runs after, at the Curragh when sixth on September 29th and Lyons reflected: "It's unfortunate having to run the first and second in a maiden but these things happen at this time of the year.

"She's a lovely little filly who cost a lot and I had this race picked out for an age.

"There's a chance that she may not stay in training because of her size but that's job done and she's won the ten thousand bonus too.

"I'm delighted for Sheikh Fahad (winning owner) and it's a great end to the year for him."

The Stewards interviewed E.J. McNamara, rider of Kaminari, concerning his use of the whip in this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the

Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10 3 (f), frequency and 10 3 (e), hitting of a horse other than down the shoulder or on the hind quarters and having considered his record, suspended him for two race days.

(AM & EM)