Long odds-on Pink pulls it out of the fire On paper, the concluding Claremorris & Ballinrobe Credit Union INH Flat Race looked to be a straightforward task for Mister Pink, and while he ultimately emerged victorious, he was made to work hard for his win. Trained by Willie Mullins, bred by his wife Jackie and ridden by their son Patrick, the Beat Hollow five-year-old was sent off the clear market leader at 2/11, after finishing second on his only previous start at Fairyhouse in February. Soon in front on the outer, he was joined on the approach to the straight and was ridden in third over a furlong from home. However, he found plenty for pressure inside the final furlong and regained the lead in the closing stages, going on to prevail by half-a-length in the colours of the Beech Tree Stud Syndicate. Returned at 66/1, Adela Icon ran a huge race to take second under Adam Ryan for Harry Kelly, while Grannys Yaris (50/1) also outran her odds, another length-and-a-quarter back in third. Asked if he was concerned at any point, Patrick Mullins said: "Very! We were back in third about a furlong down. "He's a big long-striding horse and on the tight home bend, he just got very unbalanced. Once I got him straight and balanced in the last furlong, he's come home well. "I probably should have gone faster on him and we'll be stepping him up in trip. I think he wants a more galloping track. "I won on his mother (Pink Hat) and a few of his siblings so it's been a lucky pedigree." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards received a report from Ms. N. O'Connor, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, that she was unable to positively identify Soleil Couchant, trained by Peter Fahey, from the markings and microchip contained in the passport presented for this horse. Evidence was heard from the trainer's Authorised Representative Ms Sarah Phelan. In her evidence, Ms Sarah Phelan accepted the report of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer. Having considered the evidence and the report, the Raceday Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Soleil Couchant under the provisions of Rule 90(iv) and referred the matter to a Senior Racing Official for further investigation. * The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr F.D. Brickley, rider of Grannys Yaris, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, Mr F.D. Brickley apologised for his actions and informed the Raceday Stewards that it was his second racecourse ride. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that Mr F.D. Brickley was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency and R10(3)(i) by not allowing his mount at least three strides to respond to the whip. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Raceday Stewards suspended Mr F.D. Brickley for four racedays. Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
