Lakemilan clears the last under David Splaine© Photo Healy Racing
Lakemilan got off the mark on her third start over flights, as she took the Follow Us On Twitter Mares Maiden Hurdle.
Successful in a bumper at Listowel last September, the Terence O'Brien trained five-year-old was placed on her first two efforts over flights.
Available at 5/1 last night, she came in for plenty of market support, opening on-course at just 3/1, before going off a 5/2 chance in the colours of owner Denis Wilson.
Settled in second by David Splaine, she improved to lead after five out and soon went a few lengths clear. She kept up the gallop in the straight, going on to score comfortably by five lengths.
The 15/8 favourite (from 9/4 on-course) Delayed Eloquence finished second under Davy Russell for Joseph O'Brien, while Payngo (12s to 8s on-course) was another three lengths back in third for Danny and Mags Mullins.
Splaine said afterwards: "She is a good little mare and has won her bumper and maiden hurdle now.
"She wants nice ground and there'll be plenty more in her."
STEWARDS REPORTS
M.J. Bolger, rider of Nicandra trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was badly interfered with by the loose horse at the third last hurdle.
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Slainte And Thanks ridden by P. Townend, and trained by G. Ahern. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. P. Townend, stated that he had intended to jump off in mid division, however, he missed the break at the start and the mare was out of position when racing towards the rear of the field. He added that she needs better ground conditions to have any chance but rode the mare positively at the rear and attempted to put her into the race from the winning post on the last circuit. He rode her hands and heels through the back straight to get to mid division however he did not get a good response from the mare in the closing stages, she was a tired horse and he did not see a need to persevere after her chance was gone. In conclusion he stated that he was disappointed with the run as he expected to be closer at the finish based on her performance the previous day. G. Ahern, trainer, stated that he instructed P. Townend to jump off in mid division and in his opinion the change in going did not aid his charge having missed her starting position. He was satisfied with the riding of the mare and stated that he would prefer to run her on better ground as her only previous win was gained on good ground in a Point to Point. The Turf Club National Hunt Handicapper, Mr Andrew Shaw gave evidence regarding Slainte And Thanks' previous form. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Slainte And Thanks was post race normal and samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered, however, P. Townend was severely cautioned regarding his responsibilities in this regard. .
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Slainte And Thanks, trained by G. Ahern, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
