L’empathie lifts the mood of the Murphy camp at Listowel

There was a measure of compensation for Joe Murphy after losing Angel’s Amy here on Wednesday when L’empathie landed the Bank Of Ireland Maiden at Listowel.

L’empathie kept shortening up from fancy odds of 16s and 20s earlier, into a returned 13/2 for the mile and a half stamina test.

Gary Carroll rode the daughter of Champs Elysees, and she chased the leaders, and was fourth at the halfway stage.

The three-year-old improved to lead two and a half furlongs out, and she was ridden to assert a furlong and a half out. From there she kept on well in the final furlong to defeat Jazz Lady and Harriet Tubman by a length and a half and a length and three parts.

L’empathie was building on a debut Roscommon seventh placing in mid-July.

"She is a progressive filly and improved from her first run. I don't think it was the best of maidens, she was a bit green and idled in front," said Murphy.

"She had a good run when she was green on debut and only beaten four lengths, and she's still learning. She is a three year old winning maiden which is valuable for a filly and if the ground was easier I'd have been more confident.

"We'll go for a handicap next."

When asked about the fatal injury to Angel's Amy he added "we don't talk about the past but Angel's Amy is an awful loss to us and her owner/breeder. We have to live with it and move on."

The Stewards interviewed Ian O'Connor, trainer of Jazz Lady, in relation to following a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Clerk of the Course, Mr. T.V. O'Connell, to the effect that I. O'Connor had been observed walking his charge to the start early without permission. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that this filly regularly misbehaves in the parade ring and he routinely brings her to the start early having completed one lap of the parade ring. On this occasion, I. O'Connor believed he had been granted permission to attend the start early however he had not brought this to the attention of the Clerk of the Course. Evidence was also heard from G.P. Brouder, rider of Jazz Lady, who confirmed the difficulties in handling his mount before racing. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered and reminded I. O'Connor of his future responsibilities to the Clerk of the Course when attending the start early and to familiarise himself with the proper procedures.

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Jazz Lady, ridden by G.P. Brouder, Harriet Tubman, ridden by K.J. Manning and L'empathie ridden by G.F. Carroll, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action other than to advise G.P. Brouder to ride with more care in future.

W.J. Lee, rider of Aim For Glory trained by T.Hogan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.

K.J. Manning, rider of Harriet Tubman trained by J. S. Bolger, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was badly hampered turning in.

R.P. Whelan, rider of X' Girl trained by John M. Oxx, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.

The Stewards interviewed G.P. Brouder, rider of Jazz Lady, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that G.P. Brouder was in breach of Regulation 10.3 (g) in that he used his whip with excessive frequency. Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards cautioned G.P. Brouder on this occasion.

(TW & EM)