Ladysingstheblues is ridden out by Danny Benson to beat Blixt© Photo Healy Racing
Ladysingstheblues was confirmed the winner of the concluding Friday June 9th BBQ At Clonmel Races Mares Flat Race after a Stewards enquiry.
The Patricia Hunt owned winner, who is a half-sister to Tully East, hit the front two furlongs from home, but she was pressed and ridden inside the final furlong.
She then veered right towards the rail, squeezing the runner-up Blixt for room, with just a length separating them at the line.
Backers of Blixt are likely to feel aggrieved, as it appeared she was closing on the winner when the incident occurred.
Ladysingstheblues, who was second on her first two starts, was returned the 7/4 favourite under Danny Benson for Noel Meade, while Blixt, who is of course a half-sister to Hurricane Fly, was sent off a 3/1 chance under Patrick Mullins for his father Willie.
The front two went four and a half lengths clear of Glebe Girl (25's to 16's) in third. William Cronin was aboard the one for John Joe Walsh.
STEWARDS REPORTS
Mr D.T. McGrath, rider of Boolavondream trained by David J. McGrath, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his saddle slipped in the early stages and pulled up.
The Stewards received a report from P.L.Malone , Turf Club Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that Mr R. James , rider of Flirting Lesa , weighed in at 1.2 lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that the rider was in breach of Rule 231 and having considered his clean record, cautioned him concerning his future responsibilities in this regard.Mr James Kennedy, Acting Steward, absented himself from this enquiry.
The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the straight involving Blixt, ridden by Mr P.W. Mullins, placed second and Ladysingstheblues, ridden by Mr D.J. Benson, placed first. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the judge's placings, they were however of the opinion that Mr.Benson was in breach of Rule 214, in that he rode carelessly and having considered his clean record, suspended him for one race day. Mr. James Kennedy, Acting Steward, absented himself from this enquiry.
