Lady Of The Vale approaches the winning post© Photo Healy Racing
Andrew Slattery's Lady Of The Vale (9/4jf) put her experience to good use in the concluding Clonmel Flat race over an extended two miles in the hands of Adam Ryan.
She entered the fray with a record of three placed efforts from five outings and got off the mark on her sixth start.
She was shaken up to go on from Glendars Mahler a furlong and a half from home but was soon pressed by Socialoccasion however, that one's effort petered out in the final 150 yards. Leitrim Park the other 9/4 joint favourite, tried to make a race of it in the closing stages, but was unable to reel in the leader and went down by a length. Glendars Mahler was three and three quarter lengths back in third at 12/1.
Assistant trainer Willie Slattery said: "She was due her turn and we probably ran her back too quick in the north the last day. We'll talk to Andy but he might leave her off for a while now. She has been busy and deserves a bit of rest.
"He gave her a good ride and is a good young fella."
Jockey Ryan is a nephew of Andrew Slattery.
The Stewards interviewed Mr A.P. Ryan, rider of Lady Of The Vale, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, Mr A.P. Ryan stated that he had misjudged his use of the whip and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr A.P. Ryan was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended Mr A.P. Ryan for one race day.
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
