Letter gets top Award under inspired Mullins Lettermacaward was produced with a storming late run by David Mullins to take the 2m5f Tramore Golf Club Handicap Hurdle. The Mick Winters-trained nine-year-old, whose only previous success also came on good ground in a Dromahane point-to-point three years ago, put some disappointing efforts in the mud to one side to score at odds of 9/1. The Turtle Island gelding cut out the early running but appeared to be struggling in third as Royal Chief struck the front two out. However Mullins' mount rallied strongly on the uphill run to the line and got up for a three quarters of a length verdict. Royal Chief filled the runner-up spot in this race for the second successive year, with Halls Bridge a further seven lengths back in third. Winters said, "He was a good horse when he was younger but he was off for a long time then. He was going well the last time in Tipperary before he missed a hurdle. Full credit goes to the jockey who gave him a good ride." There were widespread suspensions handed out for disobeying the starter following a false start before this race. The Stewards received a report from Turf Club Starter,Mr.J.R.Banahan, that C. Brassil, rider of Oscar Vespasian, P.A. Gallagher, rider of Give Her Bach, J.M. Moore, rider of Perrie Hill, N.M. Kelly, rider of Royal Chief, D.J. Mullins, rider of Lettermacaward, G.N. Fox, rider of Halls Bridge, Rachael Blackmore, rider of Red Or White (GB), B. Hayes, rider of Slygufftou, B.T. O'Connell, rider of Drive On Locky, J.J. Burke, rider of Millyrembrandt and B.R. Dalton, rider of Pairc Na Leasa had disobeyed his instructing which lead to a false start. Evidence was heard from the starter and riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the incident and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the riders were in breach of Rule 208 and having considered their records they were all suspended for two racedays, with the exception of B.Hayes who received four days and B.R.Dalton three days. (DM & AM)
